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.
This past December, animation enthusiasts and holiday movie lovers alike eagerly greeted the release of , a 3DCG animated tale from Locksmith Animation () and Netflix.A heartwarming tale that blends the whimsical allure of the season with the grounded, emotional storytelling of well-known author and producer Richard Curtis, has garnered critical acclaim as well as 6 Annie Award nominations, including Best Animated Feature.
The feature film directorial debut for animation veteran Simon Otto (, franchise), follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys.The film also marks the first foray into animation for Curtis, who served as the film’s writer and executive producer.You can read AWN’s interview with Curtis here.
Otto recently opened up about the unique challenges and creative triumphs behind this ambitious project.A New Path for Richard Curtis Best known for iconic romantic comedies like and , Curtis jumped into animation for an opportunity to bring together all three of his recent children’s books about Christmas, a bold move given his deep roots in live-action filmmaking.“This was new territory for Richard,” Otto shares.
“He’s used to crafting stories in his own way — character-driven, emotional, and comedic.Animation, with its emphasis on movement and visual storytelling, required us to find a new rhythm together.” The transition was as much about collaboration as it was about adaptation.Curtis brought his expertise in weaving relatable, heartfelt narratives, while Otto and his team introduced him to the intricate processes of animation.
The absence of a screenplay at the start was unusual for Curtis.“Normally, he comes up with an idea, writes a screenplay, maybe pitches a studio, then the director comes on and it gets made,” Otto notes.However, as he explained to Curtis, the approach to animated storytelling is different.
“Richard thinks about the comedy, the characters, the emotions and story arcs.We think about act structure, protagonists, midpoints, writing and re-writing with story artists throughout the process.We had to educate each other.
It became a dialogue between his storytelling instincts and our medium’s capabilities.An organic blending of ideas.” Building an Authentic World One of the film’s first challenges was translating Rebecca Cobb’s charming 2D illustrations into a fully realized 3D animated world.Otto and his team leaned into authenticity, balancing realism with the warmth and coziness of a British village during the holidays.
“We wanted the audience to feel like they could walk right into this town,” Otto says.“From slightly uneven doorways to the snow-covered rooftops, every detail was intentionally crafted to give the world a lived-in feel.” As the entire film takes place during a blizzard, snow, an ever-present element in the film, became both a technical and artistic hurdle.VFX supervisor Doug Ikeler [Locksmith CTO as well] spearheaded the development of tools to create snow that not only looked real but felt emotionally resonant.
“Snow has its own language,” Otto says.“It can feel cozy, melancholic, or even magical, depending on how it’s animated.Getting that right was crucial to the story.
Doug developed some really clever sculpting tools inside Houdini” The snow in had to act as more than a backdrop; it became a character of its own.Otto’s Swiss heritage played a role in ensuring its authenticity.“I know the difference between snow that’s two days old and snow that’s fresh,” he laughs.
“Those nuances matter when you’re building a world meant to evoke specific emotions.” Resisting Stylization for Emotion Unlike the recent wave of hyper-stylized animated films, deliberately avoided visual flair that might overshadow its narrative.“We weren’t aiming for a film remembered for its style,” Otto clarified.“Our focus was on the characters, the humor, and the emotional journey.
It had to feel like a Richard Curtis movie first, with Christmas as its backdrop.” This approach required careful design choices.Early tests incorporating Cobb’s original art style proved challenging.While the illustrations were delightful on the page, they didn’t translate effectively into animation.
“We realized that overly stylized visuals could get in the way of storytelling,” Otto said.“Instead, we focused on creating designs that felt authentic yet expressive enough for the animation medium.” The team drew inspiration from timeless holiday classics like and (Curtis’ favorite animated film).“We wanted it to be the kind of movie you leave on while making tea,” Otto says with a smile.
“A film that becomes a tradition.If you come into the room and it’s been on 10 minutes, you’d say ‘No, no, no, don't turn it off.Let's leave it on.
I love this one.’” A Community-Centered Story At its core, celebrates community, family, and the human connections that make the season special.While Santa and his reindeer make an appearance, they are not the central focus.Instead, the story weaves together multiple narratives, offering viewers a tapestry of experiences rather than a single hero’s journey.
“The magic of the film lies in how it brings together different perspectives, much like a great TV series,” Otto says.“You don’t always know where the story is going, but it all comes together beautifully.” This multi-threaded storytelling approach is rare in animation, where simpler narratives often dominate.“It’s challenging to juggle several arcs in just 90 minutes,” Otto admits.
“But it’s also what makes the film so engaging.It’s not just about Christmas; it’s about the lives and relationships of the characters during this magical time.” A New Holiday Classic? With its layered storytelling, richly detailed visuals, and emotional resonance audiences expect from a Curtis film, has the potential to join the ranks of perennial holiday favorites.Yet Otto remains humble about its place in the Christmas canon.
“Our goal wasn’t to create a holiday icon but to make a film that audiences would want to revisit,” he says.“If it becomes a tradition, that’s the greatest compliment we could ask for.” Even so, the team was mindful of the legacy they were stepping into.“Making a Christmas movie is no small feat,” Otto says.
“You’re standing on the shoulders of giants, from to .The ambition was always to create something timeless.” A Collaborative Triumph The collaboration between Curtis, Otto, and their team extended beyond creative choices.Composer John Powell crafted a score that avoided clichéd holiday tropes, while Brian Cox brought gravitas to his role as Santa.
The film also features the original song “Under the Tree” by Ed Sheeran.Regarding Cox, Otto says, “It’s not about reimagining Santa.Audiences want a Santa they recognize, one who embodies the magic and warmth they’ve come to expect.” The animation was produced by DNEG Animation, its second animated feature film project with Locksmith, having previously worked on .
From detailed props to subtle character moments, every element of was designed to resonate with viewers on multiple levels.“We buried little details throughout the film,” Otto revealed.“Like chess pieces in a child’s room reflecting his family’s dynamics.
These touches add layers that reward repeat viewings.” The Future of Holiday Animation As animated films continue to evolve in both visual sophistication and complexity, stands out for its emphasis on emotional depth over spectacle.Otto believes this approach could pave the way for more nuanced storytelling in the medium.“Animation can tell any story,” he says.
“We’re not limited to slapstick humor or fantastical worlds.We can create films that are as moving and complex as live-action.” With its thoughtful execution and universal themes, provides a unique and emotionally fulfilling story that takes full advantage of its holiday setting.More than just a Christmas movie, it celebrates the sometimes complex, almost never simple moments that bring friends and families together.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
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