BAFTA Special Award 2018: Clive Juster

THE SPECIAL AWARD: CLIVE JUSTER

Words by Rich Matthews | Images courtesy of recipient

Clive Juster at the 2011 Brand Licensing Europe trade show

Never underestimate the power of three and a half hours of children’s television. That’s all that was made of iconic BBC series Mr Benn, yet the character has shaped childhood imaginations for nearly 50 years (first broadcast in 1971). Along with creator/artist David McKee, Mr Benn launched editor, director and producer Clive Juster into a lifelong career that saw him become part of the vanguard for a growing aspect of children’s entertainment – licensing of intellectual property (IP).

“Mr Benn was on the BBC for 30years,” marvels Juster. “It’s amazing. Then Nickelodeon took it over for another 10. Now we’re hoping Factory will remaster the films for the 50th anniversary.”

Prior to working in children’s media – producing numerous television series, shorts and specials distributed in more than 100 countries – Juster, like Mr Benn, tried out many different roles.

“I planned to be an architect,” he says. “But I had a hobby making 8mm films, so after doing various jobs I eventually decided on film. I tried the major studios but didn’t have any luck. Most people suggested I go to college, so I started all over again at the National College of Art, then the Royal College. From there I got into the BBC.”

Working at BBC Ealing Studios in the late 1960s, knocking shoulders with the likes of Ken Russell, Spike Milligan and the Pythons, Juster’s nascent career took an unexpected turn when he took on editing duties for Play School and Blue Peter. Little did he realise he was about to find his lasting legacy when an old college friend suggested he replace him on a new show. “I took over editing Mr Benn and immediately became really good friends with David [McKee]. Even now people respond warmly; I get correspondence that makes me realise the impact it had.”

Even after the success of the 13 original adventures of the fancy dress shop visitor, life wasn’t plain sailing for Juster. “My dad died and I had to move to Devon,” he notes. “I opened an antiques shop. David used to come down now and again to visit the family. One day he said, ‘Why don’t we make some more films?’ So we set up King Rollo Films with Leo Nielsen.”

That was in 1978 and marked the beginning of one of the UK’s first independent children’s animation production houses. King Rollo Films went on to produce King Rollo, Towser, Spot the Dog, Maisy and Paz. Alongside this and his ongoing work in sound design, voice direction and editing, working with such stars as Victoria Wood, Neil Morrissey, Jane Horrocks, Richard Briers and Alan Bennett, Juster ultimately became guardian of the King Rollo character licenses.

“That side of things always interested me,” he explains. “There’s a shop in Covent Garden selling Tintin merchandise and it’s absolutely beautiful. David and I see it as the shining example of keeping an evergreen property alive. In 2004, we created Rollo Rights to look after the IP. Leo took over the production side and is still going strong. We eventually sold Rollo Rights to Factory about 18 months ago, because I’m knocking on a bit – David more so.”

David McKee, Clive Juster and Leo Nielsen - the creative masterminds behind King Rollo Films

Which makes it all the more appropriate to receive a BAFTA Special Award for a life devoted to children’s television…

“I feel someone made a mistake,” Juster chuckles. “I’m honoured, but I’ve been lucky – I’ve had some of the best people around me. In this business, it’s teamwork that gets results. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s to never give up. I mean, one of the pet projects that David and I have is Mr Benn: The Opera. To think that something that began so simply has led to these new things. I guess that’s the way life works.”