| Based On: | The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler |
| Director: | Max Lang Daniel Snaddon |
| Starring: | Sally Hawkins Rob Brydon Cariad Lloyd Emma Tate Arnold Brown Max Lang |
| Narrated: | Diana Rigg |
| Theme Music Composer: | René Aubry |
| Country: | United Kingdom South Africa |
| Language: | English |
| Producer: | Martin Pope Michael Rose |
| Runtime: | 30 minutes (approx.) |
| Company: | Magic Light Pictures Triggerfish Animation Studios |
| Network: | BBC One |
| Related: | Zog |
The Snail and the Whale is a 2019 British-South African short computer-animated TV film, directed by Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon, and produced by Michael Rose and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures, in association with Triggerfish Animation Studios where the film was animated.[1]
The short film is based on the 2003 picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The voices of the main characters include Dame Diana Rigg, Sally Hawkins and Rob Brydon. The special premiered on BBC One in the U.K. for Christmas 2019.[2]
The Snail and the Whale follows the amazing journey of a tiny snail who longs to see the world and hitches a ride on the tail of a friendly humpback whale. A joyous, empowering story about the natural wonders of the world and discovering that no matter how small you are, you can make a difference.
The special premiered on BBC One at 2:30 PM in the UK on Christmas Day 2019 and was watched by 4 million viewers.
| Year | Presenter/Festival | Award/Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | New York International Children's Film Festival | Audience Award, Ages 3–5 | [4] |
| British Animation Awards | Best Voice Performance (Sally Hawkins) | [5] | |
| Banff Rockie Awards | Best Children’s Animation | [6] | |
| Venice TV awards | Children/Youth | [7] | |
| Sapporo International Short Film Festival & Market | Action / Adventure | [8] | |
| British Animation Awards | Best Longform and Best Use of Sound | [9] | |
| Annecy International Animated Film Festival | TV category | [10] | |
| Cleveland International Film Festival | Official Selection | [11] | |
| Annie Awards | Best Animated Special Production | [12] | |
| 2022 | British Academy Children's Awards | Animation | [13] |
| Best Director (Max Lang, Daniel Snaddon) | |||
| Best Writer (Max Lang, Suzanne Lang) | |||