I’d seen the film CORDUROY at the library, but I’d never noticed who produced it. I first noticed the Weston Woods name when I was posting about Gene Deitch. I had no idea that Mr. Deitch and Weston Woods were responsible for so many films.And now, there’s all this buzz about KNUFFLE BUNNY, and there’s that Weston name again.
It turns out that back in 1953 “Weston Woods Studios developed the ‘iconographic’ style of filmmaking, in which an open book glides in front of a motion picture camera, giving the still imagery a sense of movement. Close ups, dissolves, and cuts bring books to cinematic life in a remarkable way. Even when music, additional artwork, and animation are added to the adaptation, the filmmakers adhere closely to the sources’ original intent.”
If you visit the Weston Woods/Scholastic site you can see snippets of films (and sometimes you get to hear what the author sounds like).
Hear are a few sample clips:
THE DOT
ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT
DEM BONES