Go behind the scenes with Mukpuddy on new WildBrain/ITV series ‘Badjelly’
Skwigly
Following a deal earlier this year that saw WildBrain partner with British commercial broadcaster/streamer ITV to bring new kids’ series Badjelly to UK audiences, the series is set to drop this month in the lead-up to the Halloween season.
Based on the beloved book, Badjelly the Witch: A Fairy Story, by renowned comedian Spike Milligan, and starring a stellar voice cast including Miriam Margolyes, Rhys Darby, Ava Diakhaby and rising star Malachi Hall, the series delivers a fresh take on this classic story for today’s kids, all while preserving the crazy humour, bizarre situations and quirky characters from the original tale. Distributed by WildBrain, Badjelly is produced by New Zealand’s Mukpuddy Animation, the UK’s Cantilever Media and Canada’s Sphere Media. To mark the release of the series, Mukpuddy have put together a special series of behind-the-scenes videos detailing how Milligan’s book was adapted to animation.
Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | Casting
Co-writer/directors, Tim Evans and Alex Leighton, talk about casting Miriam Margolyes after seeing an appearance on Graham Norton, how Jo Wilkinson’s casting changed the character of Dulboot into the lovable gentle giant and creating a series favourite and embracing their ongoing relationship with Rhys Darby as he practically cast himself as tree goblin, Binklebonk.
Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | The Music
Co-writer/director Tim Evans talks about wanting Badjelly’s music to be different from other cartoons, capturing the feeling of being swept up in a big adventure, through composer, Guy Michelmore’s amazing custom score. Given the daunting task of emulating the emotional depth of a John Williams score, Guy stepped up and delivered a musical journey that perfectly encapsulated the feeling of the films the team grew up with.
Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | The Themes
Co-writer/directors, Tim Evans and Alex Leighton, discuss Badjelly’s embodiment of the reluctance to change. So hellbent on keeping things as they were, she’s willing to burn the world to keep her power, Badjelly’s desperation builds, leading her to destruction. Tim and Alex talk of lead characters, Rose and Tim’s need to embrace change as their relationship evolves, while Badjelly and her ‘lackey’, Dulboot navigate a toxic situation. Adapting a short 22 minute story into 13 episodes, the team found ways to delve deep into the characters’ relationships.
Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | Iconic Book Moments
Ryan Cooper, head writer and co-director, discusses the importance of honouring the original Spike Milligan story. As New Zealand is filled with rabid fans, who quote the book/audio play, each with their favourite lines or moments. Ryan talks of trying to leave no Milligan stone unturned, finding even the smallest moments of imagination, to bring the story to life.
Badjelly premieres on ITV October 16th.
For more on the work of Mukpuddy, visit mukpuddy.com