Chicken Run: The Sequel is Here with a Dash of Evolution

A Summary of What’s Cookin’:

It’s been 23 years since the original Chicken Run flick. It’s practically ancient in animator years!
Aardman, the company that produced Chicken Run, has evolved majorly. They’ve moved from clay to digital – or as we like to call it, they’ve gone from Play-Doh to pixels.
Shaun the Sheep cropped up, and somehow has become rep-e-wait for it-sentative of Aardman’s brand. That’s baarry surprising!
And boy, their sets have grown. Bigger barns, broader landscapes…I guess the chickens needed more room to run!
The upcoming sequel, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, is not to be missed. All the chicken drama but with 100% more Suzy Fagan Parr!

The Talk of the Henhouse: Interview with Suzy Fagan Parr

My Hot Take:

A sequel more than two decades in the making – who wouldn’t get egg-cited for that? Aardman has clearly made the jump from old guard to innovator in the world of animation, and the burgeoning Chicken Run franchise is the epitome of this evolution. The studio has seamlessly transitioned from clucking clay models to dazzling digital designs, while maintaining an endearing charm that marries the nostalgic with the novel. Shaun the Sheep even emerged from the proverbial egg as a representation of Aardman’s quirky, lovable identity. With bigger sets and Suzy Fagan Parr added to their coop, we’re in for an equally funny, thrilling, and ground-baking sequel. Let’s just hope the crew hasn’t counted their chickens before they’ve hatched! It’s a new dawn indeed – of nuggets, animation, and chicken puns galore!

Between the making of Chicken Run (2000) and its sequel, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023), the creative world of Aardman has markedly transformed. Not only has CGI become more dominant in their crafts, but franchises like Shaun the Sheep have also emerged and shaped their brand. Throughout this evolution, Suzy Fagan Parr remained a fundamental part of the animation crew since the studio’s pioneering feature.

This blog post recounts Skwigly’s engrossing discussion with Suzy, who was an influential animator on the original Chicken Run and has rejoined as an additional sequence director for the sequel. She shares about the joyous, nostalgic journey of revisiting beloved characters, the changing dynamics within Aardman and the challenges and delights of blending CG with traditional stop-motion animation.

How were the film’s reception and your role different from the original Chicken Run?

Watching the film at the BFI last month, I was thrilled by the infectious laughter and overall energy from the audience, which included the studio’s crew members – the most discerning critics, in my opinion. Contrary to my role as a key animator on the original film, my work on the sequel expanded as an additional sequence director, allowing me to sketch out shots and be part of the directorial team, in addition to animating whenever feasible.

Anything new about re-animating Ginger, whom you’ve worked on in the first movie?

Reconnecting with the Puppet was surprisingly a trip down memory lane, as I recalled specific details from decades ago – the precise angle of Ginger’s protruding cheeks to her unique foot pose. These memories significantly helped speed up the new team’s understanding of the characters.

What distinguishes the two productions?

Primarily, the usage of two scales and incorporating multiple takes for one shot stood out. The increased usage of CGI to support larger shots also marked a significant shift. However, the fundamental stop-motion animation process remained consistent.

How has Aardman evolved over time?

From being a closely-knit team, Aardman has grown substantially in size and scope, allowing us to narrate complex stories. It’s remarkable that while some of us continue our journey from the early days, we have a fresh set of talent bringing in new perspectives.

What did you learn from the previous features that you utilized in the sequel?

Experience has empowered us with confidence and knowledge about what’s possible. We’ve realized over the years that projecting clay on the big screen creates a splendid visual appeal, adding a tangible human touch.

Could you elaborate on the balance between using CG versus stop motion in the sequel?

It was a repetitive discussion. Foreground characters were modeled using stop motion, while the background cast and larger shots were supported by CGI. The proximity between our digital doubles and puppets was strikingly close, creating a seamless blend.

What initiatives did you undertake to retain the character personas after a lapse of 23 years?

We aimed to retain their familiar charm yet adapt them to the newer environments. The distinct difference lies in their circumstances – they are no longer the victims trying to escape but have taken initiative to infiltrate an alien world. Their evolution is a combination of ingenious writing and technological advancements.

If you could choose a sequel to another Aardman property, what would it be?

I’m a huge fan of The Pirates. A sequel to this vibrant and humorous series would be exciting to see.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is currently streaming on Netflix.

Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-interview-with-suzy-fagan-parr/