Richard Curtis

Crafting Magic: Simon Otto Talks ‘That Christmas’

The animation veteran and first-time feature film director opens up about working with famed author and producer Richard Curtis on adapting his three Christmas kids' books into a heartfelt animated tale about the often complex, never simple dynamics that bring friends and families together during the holidays; now streaming on Netflix.

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Re-VIEW: ‘That Christmas’ – A Seasonal Film for Life

Set in a charming coastal town during Christmas, Simon Otto and Locksmith Animation’s new film explores themes of empathy, compassion, and human connection, weaving stories of love, resilience, and community through the perspectives of children and adults; now streaming on Netflix.

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Ho Ho Ho! Headline News

‘That Christmas’ Now Streaming on Netflix

The festive 3DCG animated feature from Locksmith Animation, directed by Simon Otto, and based on the kids’ book trilogy by famed author Richard Curtis, debuted December 4.

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A Festive First: Richard Curtis’ Animated Adventure 'That Christmas'

The famed writer and producer’s inaugural foray into animation weaves together his kids’ book trilogy into a magical 3DCG tale of family, friends, love, and loneliness – along with countless turkeys – and a Santa facing his most challenging evening ever; from Locksmith Animation, the film debuts globally today, December 4, on Netflix.

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Streaming for the Holidays Headline News

Netflix Announces 2024 Holiday Slate

Running from November - January 2025, the slate includes three new animated films ‘Spellbound,’ ‘That Christmas,’ and Aardman’s ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.’

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On the Road to Manchester! Headline News

Manchester Animation Festival Announces 2024 Program

The UK animation festival, which brings together the animation industry's top talent, leading professionals, and a program with fans of animation in mind, runs November 10-14.

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Ho Ho Ho! Headline News

Netflix Releases ‘That Christmas’ Trailer, New Images

The festive 3DCG animated feature from Locksmith Animation, based on the kids’ book trilogy by famed author Richard Curtis, releases globally on December 4.

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Holiday Animation Headline News

Ed Sheeran Records ‘Under the Tree’ for Netflix’s Upcoming ‘That Christmas’

The award-winning singer/songwriter’s new song is featured in Locksmith Animation’s animated film, coming December 6, directed by Simon Otto, based on the beloved children’s book series by BAFTA winning, Oscar nominated writer/director Richard Curtis.

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On the road to Annecy Headline News

Netflix Reveals Expansive Annecy Program Filled with Sneak Peeks and Talks

Zack Snyder’s ‘Twilight of the Gods,’ Aardman’s ‘Wallace & Gromit,’ and Shannon Tindle’s ‘Ultraman: Rising’ lead the streamer’s on-stage presentations showcasing many of its highly anticipated animated films and TV shows coming later this year and next.

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We Want More Santa Hijinx Headline News

Brian Cox to Star as Santa in Locksmith’s 3DCG ‘That Christmas’

Director Simon Otto’s upcoming comedy also lands Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy; the adaptation of Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning writer/director Richard Curtis’s children’s book series comes to Netflix later this year.

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Business Headline News

Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group Signs First-Look Deal with Locksmith Animation

The first projects jointly developed under the new pact will be the animated features ‘Bad Fairies,’ a subversive musical comedy set in contemporary London, and ‘The Lunar Chronicles,’ a sci-fi twist on ‘Grimms’ Fairy Tales.’

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More Netflix Animation! Headline News

Netflix Reveals European Slate of Animated Films and Series

Ahead of next week’s Annecy 2022 festival, the streamer announces a set of new projects including Sergio Pablos’ ‘Klaus’ follow-up, ‘Ember,’ and the animated musical, ‘Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.’

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Business Headline News

Mary Coleman Named Chief Creative Officer at Locksmith Animation

The former Head of Creative Development at Pixar will join the studio behind the hit animated film ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ in July.

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Business Headline News

Locksmith Taps DNEG Animation for ‘That Christmas’

Based on the kids’ books series by Richard Curtis, the animated feature brings the companies together again following the success of Locksmith’s first film, ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong;’ DNEG Animation will host 2 sessions on June 16 at next month’s Annecy Film Festival.

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People Headline News

Simon Otto to Helm Locksmith Animation’s ‘That Christmas’

Renowned ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ head of character animation makes his animated feature film directorial debut on CG animated adaptation of Richard Curtis’ children’s book series.

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People Headline News

Sarah Smith Steps Down at Locksmith Animation as Natalie Fischer Named CEO

Co-founder leaves to develop own projects; former Illumination COO takes the helm, with co-founder and ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ producer Julie Lockhart named president of production.

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Animated Feature Films Headline News

Locksmith Animation and Richard Curtis Developing Christmas Feature, ‘The Empty Stocking’

Bonnie Arnold joins Sarah Smith and Julie Lockhart to oversee film based on series of children’s books by writer / director known for ‘Yesterday,’ ‘Four Weddings and A Funeral’ and ‘Love Actually.’