The Bolt Who Screwed Christmas is an independent animated short film and a parody of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! written and directed by John Wardlaw and animated by Andy Angrand. The film features the final performance of actor Jonathan Harris and co-stars Tress MacNeille. The film also features an original score by Gary Stockdale and music by director John Wardlaw's band, Anti-m.
Written in 1997, the script was presented to Jonathan Harris in 1998 though it was not until 2000 that his voice work was actually recorded. Harris died on November 3, 2002, long before the film was completed making it his last film. In 2006 an additional scene was added to the film and Jonathan Harris' former Lost In Space co-stars Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright and Marta Kristen added their voices to the film. The film was dedicated in his memory.
Completed in 2009 the film made its first appearance at the non-theatrical 2009 Los Angeles Reel Film Festival where it was honored with three awards. In 2010 it made its theatrical world premier in the home town of film-maker John Wardlaw at the 25th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).[1] Between December 2009 and December 2011, the film played in 30 film festivals, winning 13 awards. Its final theatrical appearance was at L’hybride in Lille France.
Considering the film features a cast from the TV series Lost In Space it was interesting that two of the films praises came from writers from the original series of Star Trek. "It had a great animation style, clever and slightly naughty story (well put together) and was totally enjoyable!" claimed D. C. Fontana[2] "I laughed my nuts off," stated David Gerrold.
In 2011 The Bolt Who Screwed Christmas was released on DVD as part of a collection of short films and music videos by Wardlaw. The DVD bonus features include early animations and audio outtakes. The film was licensed to ShortsHD and ShortsTV in 2014.
| Award | Festival / Year |
|---|---|
| 2nd Place Best Animation[3] | LARFF Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |
| Best Animated Characters | LARFF Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |
| Best Animation Story | LARFF Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |
| VSM Excellence Award For Animation[4] | VSM (Very Short Movie) Film Festival 2010 |
| Accolade Award Of Merit for Animation[5] | Accolade Film Awards 2010 |
| Best Animated Comedy[6] | Dragon Con 2010 |
| Silver Telly Awards: Non-Broadcast Productions - Use of Humor; Use of Animation; Entertainment[7] | The Telly Awards 2010 |
| Best Animation [8] | The Ventura Film Festival 2010 |
| Best Animated Film | The Nevada Film Festival 2010 |
| Best Animated Short Comedy[9] | The Indie Gathering 2011 |
| Best Of Faux Audience Choice Award[10] | Faux Film Fest 2011 |
| Nomination Best Animated Visuals | Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |
| Nomination Best Animation Sound Design | Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |
| Nomination Best Voice Over Jonathan Harris | Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |
| Nomination Best Voice Over Tress MacNeille | Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |
| Nomination Best Original Score | Los Angeles Reel Film Festival 2009 |