GREAT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO LOOK BACK AND ADMIRE OUR ACHIEVEMENTS”

 Muriel Thomas

MURIEL THOMAS, DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL

DISTRIBUTION AT MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES, DESCRIBES THE COMPANY’S EVOLUTION DURING THE PAST TWO DECADES AND HIGHLIGHTS THE CHALLENGES THEY HAVE FACED DURING THIS TIME.

Which were the main challenges you faced during the 20 years of the company?

“Magic Light Pictures has faced various challenges over the past 20 years, and getting established was obviously the main one. It takes time to get your name out there, but you realize very quickly that the best way to be judged is by the quality of your work. As well as challenges, we have also had many opportunities.

Magic Light Pictures is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year.

Muriel Thomas, Director of International Distribution at Magic Light Pictures, talked with Señal News about this milestone for the company and revealed the secrets behind this success.

Magic Light Pictures is celebrating 20 years this year. What does that milestone mean to you?

“Turning twenty is a big achievement. Over those two decades, we have done so much. We have made live-action feature films, documentaries, and now we are known for our animated specials based on the work of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, as well as entering the pre-school world with our new IP ‘Pip and Posy.’ So much has been achieved and many awards have been won, and most importantly, worldwide audiences are delighted. Yet, we are still growing as a company. It’s great to take a moment to look back and admire our achievements, but we also need to continue to look forward and not stand still.”

Building up the company organically and over time has allowed us to remain focused on the quality of our productions. We have been flexible and worked with a wide range of partners across the world, ranging from creative talent to broadcasters. That is the best way to establish yourself.”

How would you compare the current animation industry to the one from 20 years ago?

“The animation industry is always evolving, especially in terms of technology. It had an impact not only in production, where 3D animation is always improving, but also in terms of delivering the content to the audience, where we saw viewing habits shifting to on-demand with the arrival of global streamers like Prime Video, Netflix or Disney+. Better technology and a bigger range of content doesn’t always mean increased quality, though. At Magic Light, we like to think that we have used the advances in animation to enhance our work rather than to produce more.”

What are the pros and cons of animation in the current global landscape?

“During the pandemic, making animation meant we didn’t have to stop production. It’s a remarkably robust way of filmmaking, and you can creatively work around most problems. You aren’t always reliant on filming humans. The cons remain the same: it is an expensive business, and to do it well also takes a lot of time. Animation is not something you can rush; if you do, the quality suffers. There is also a lot of competition, from both the UK and from all over the world. If you get an animation right and make something beautiful, it can live forever. The best animation, like ‘The Gruffalo,’ can have a long shelf life and remain a classic that can last generations.”

What is the secret to staying in business for 20 years?

“Companies that produce quality always outlast those that go for a new trend or the hot new thing. It’s no secret that Magic Light puts so much love, care, and attention into every frame we make and produce. All work is done with love and passion. While our output has grown in recent years, and we are making more than ever, we refuse to lower our standards. It means the people that buy our shows know they can trust us to deliver exceptional content. We are committed to our mission statement of enriching the imagination of children and families worldwide. We want children to engage with our characters, products, and films, to inspire them to play creatively, think originally, and live imaginatively. We all believe this at Magic Light, where we think everything we make and produce reflects that.”

By Romina Rodriguez