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Suzie TempletonDirector
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Content:
- Susie Templeton: The Creator of "Peter and the Wolf"
- Authenticity and Russian Influence
- A Labor of Love
Susie Templeton: The Creator of "Peter and the Wolf"
Inspiration Behind the Film"Peter and the Wolf," a captivating animated film by British director Susie Templeton, emerged as a strong contender alongside Alexander Petrov's "My Love" as soon as the Oscar nominations were announced. Ultimately, the Academy chose Templeton's 35-minute puppet masterpiece, based on Sergei Prokofiev's eponymous suite, over Petrov's "animated paintings."
Templeton's decision to adapt Prokofiev's music stemmed from her childhood. "In England and around the world, children listen to this music. 'Peter and the Wolf' was the only record I had on repeat," she recalls. "As an adult, I was drawn to its potential for a film."
Authenticity and Russian Influence
Despite its Anglo-Polish origins, "Peter and the Wolf" exudes a distinctly Russian spirit. Templeton's commitment to authenticity led her to visit Russia multiple times.
"I wanted it to be very Russian because it's Prokofiev and it takes place in Russia," she explains. "I initially planned to film in Russia, but I ended up finding a studio in Poland."
Despite not filming in Russia, Templeton made meticulous efforts to capture its essence. She took thousands of photographs and consulted with Russian individuals to ensure the film's authenticity.
A Labor of Love
The film's creation spanned nearly five years. Templeton spent two years developing the screenplay, with 22 iterations. The final script featured no dialogue, relying solely on ambient sounds.
The production also involved constructing elaborate sets, including a forest of 1700 life-sized trees and 30-centimeter-tall puppets. Months were dedicated to building the city model and studying animal behavior for realistic depictions.