Barney Goodland
Early this year, BBC and Magic Light Pictures announced the production of "The Scarecrows' Wedding". The film is the 13th animated adaptation by Magic Light based on the work of the UK's number one selling picture book creators, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The special will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas 2025, and Barney Goodland, producer of The Magic Light Pictures, shares insights into the making of the special, from the creative choices and innovative animation techniques to the universal themes that resonate with audiences year after year.
Given the successful history of your past adaptations, what new elements or creative approaches are you introducing in "The Scarecrows' Wedding"?
"'The Scarecrows' Wedding' is a completely new story with original characters. At Magic Light, we take a look at every project individually, focusing on storytelling and finding the right techniques to tell that story by giving the crew creative freedom. We want the audience to feel like they're stepping into the book they cherish and leave them feeling a warm connection with the characters. That's the challenge, and it's one we love!"
The cast features notable talents such as Rob Brydon, Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson, and Sophie Okonedo. What qualities did each bring to their characters that made them perfect choices for this adaptation?
"Jessie brought great positivity, charm, and a strength of character to Betty that was perfect. Domhnall is great as Harry, playing him as an innocent, honest, and caring individual. Jessie and Domnhall, as Betty and Harry, make a perfect couple for the story to revolve around. Rob's performance as Reginald is incredibly suave, but he's delved further into the character to make Reg a self-obsessed, unpredictable, and ultimately cowardly villain. Sophie's narration is gorgeous and helps lead and connect us to the story. Her voice has beautiful warmth and reassurance and tells the story wonderfully."
Magic Light is known for its high animation standards. Did you feature any new artistic elements for 'The Scarecrows' Wedding'?
"The whole team has done a brilliant job with this film. In terms of animation, the way the Scarecrows have been brought to life is incredible. We've worked really hard to make them move and behave as Scarecrows who have come to life, rather than Scarecrows who move like humans. That means they're stiff and creaky when first waking up and unfreezing, and their joints are only in the places an actual Scarecrow has them, which affects their movement. They also interact with the world around them, as we might expect Scarecrows to. Hopefully, this makes watching the film a special experience, and the audience cherishes the moments these charming characters come to life."
Given the recurring themes of loyalty, love, and community in your specials, how does 'The Scarecrows' Wedding' continue or evolve that narrative tradition?
"The theme that stands out to me from our adaptation of 'The Scarecrows' Wedding' is the celebration of the joy of relationships and how good they can make us feel. Children's understanding and relationship to the concept of love differ from those of adults, and we've kept that in mind throughout the making of this film. I hope that when audiences watch the film, they'll recognise aspects of Betty and Harry's relationship, and it'll remind them of how special it is to spend time with the people we care about – especially when watching at such a special time of year for many."