WALKER BOOKS DVD 2005
Martin Waddell - Master Storyteller
Text & image Copyright © Walker Books Ltd. 2005
I was commissioned by Walker Books, one of the UK's top and most innovative children's publishers, to produce a film on DVD which features an in-depth portrait of award winning children's author Martin Waddell, focusing on his classic 'Little Bear' series of picture books. The DVD is packaged in a special edition slipcase together with the complete five book collection of 'Little Bear' stories, and was published in the UK and the USA in October 2005. This is the first time Walker Books have produced a DVD to accompany one of their book publications.
From the Walker Books website:
"About Little Bear Stories Slipcase with DVD: This stunning slipcase contains all five stories from the award-winning Big and Little Bear series. Master storyteller Martin Waddell weaves a touching tale as Little Bear gradually grows in confidence and independence... with the help of Big Bear of course! Wonderfully illustrated by Barbara Firth, these five classic titles are a must for bedtime! A bonus DVD includes an interview with Martin Waddell and a full reading of Sleep Tight, Little Bear by the author."
Filmed on location at Martin Waddell's birth-place and home in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland, and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne and the Irish Sea, the DVD captures the inspiration and rich emotional sources of his works.
Martin Waddell at Fairy Falls, near his home at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne
Images Copyright © Walker Books Ltd. 2005
Author of children's classics such as 'Owl Babies' and the 'Little Bear' books, Martin Waddell creates subtle and poetic works of extraordinary emotional power. His picture books are unique collaborations with top children's illustrators, such as Barbara Firth and Patrick Benson.
Martin Waddell has written over 200 books, both for adults and children, selling over 17 million copies worldwide. In 2004 he won the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. The award is the highest international recognition for a living author or illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children's literature.
Martin Waddell in his 'dream chair', reading from Sleep Tight, Little Bear
Images Copyright © Walker Books Ltd. 2005
Martin Waddell DVD - credits
Directed, filmed, edited & produced: CiCi Blumstein
Lighting camera & sound: Kevin Harper
Music arranged & performed on Celtic Harp by: Fearghal McCartan
Executive Producers: Walker Books Ltd.
Copyright: Walker Books Ltd. © 2005
Many thanks to:
David Lloyd, Chairman, Walker Books
Jo Humphreys-Davies, Marketing Manager
Deirdre McDermott, Publisher
Alison Morrison, Marketing Director
Loraine Taylor, Publisher
Hannah Whitaker, Editorial Assistant
For more information please email: cici@ciciblumstein.com