Feathers McGraw is back... How Aardman Animation brought Vengeance Most Fowl to life | BAFTA

Go behind the scenes with Aardman Animation to discover how Wallace & Gromit's latest adventure came to life. From making Feather's McGraw's eyes glint just right to why silicon has made stop motion that little bit easier.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is available now on BBC iPlayer in the UK and outside of the UK on Netflix from 3rd January.
The views and opinions expressed by individuals featured in this clip are solely those of the individuals expressing them and should not be taken to be the views and opinions of BAFTA.
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[@Millennial_Mike]

The patience and vision required for this is truely astounding

[@rosenieman5581]

I love Vengeance Most Fowl because it brings so many easter eggs back from previous Wallace and Gromit's from "Grand Day Out" to "Curse of the Were-Rabbit" for the true fans. It's spectacular, beautiful, and amazing!! Congratulations to Nick, Merlin, and Aardman Studios!!

[@ants84]

One of Britain’s greatest entertainment exports. The level of talent plus the attention to detail are truly outstanding.

[@KelvinMah-c7v]

I am so happy they left the collaboration with Dreamworks to pursue their own vision of Wallace and Grommit !! To me it's perfect , very entertaining , keeping the British flair makes it so unique.

[@100SteveB]

It was such a pleasure to watch this on Christmas day. Aardman really knocked it out of the park with this one. And such respect for Ben being able to reproduce the voice of Wallace, obviously we all knew we had sadly lost Peter since the last film, but even knowing that it was impossible to tell the difference. Vengeance most foul was by far the best thing on tv this Christmas. Well done to all involved for such a wonderful film. I think we all feared that it was the end of the road for Wallace and Gromit with the loss of Peter, so to see Peter's wonderful work live on.

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

Steve is that another word for bot Lucifer

[@mononoke721]

'Animating is 'ard man' - Truer words have yet to be spoken, expect maybe 'Stop-motion animation is the 'ardest of them all!' Such meticulous work; it is truly mind-boggling.

[@Brooke052]

17:25

[@LincolnWorld]

I expected to enjoy the film, but I enjoyed it way more than I even expected. Besides it being fun and exciting, and heartwarming, visually and the overall feel of it was just drenched in a level of quality and artist expression that I just don't see very often these days. A total joy! And bonus points for bringing back everyone's favorite fake chicken/ real penguin. That character cracks me up.

[@MarkReynolds-c2o]

Definitely the best thing shown on Christmas day by a country mile. The talent and patience from all those involved in producing a masterpiece that will be watched for years and years. Well done to everyone involved, geniuses!

[@Jacobcoleyray]

More Wallace and Gromit finally! 😃

[@remconet]

Incredible that art like this is still being made!

[@keithmartland6463]

Been a fan for over thirty years, and over the years with the films taking so long to make, the last film on Christmas day just blew me away, watched it three times now in less than a week, i have just gone back into time to a kid, i am 66yr now but the new film has me crying out for more, i just can't get enough of them, well Gromit, just love the little guy!

[@potterpotty01]

another triumph well done lads, time for a cuppa tea and a cheese sandwich to celebrate.

[@DaQuestioningCrustacean]

I'll get the wensleydale!

[@JaT-gb20]

The crackers! You forgot the crackers!!

[@katehirst6046]

Just brilliant to see some of the creative team that bring Nick's animation ideas to life. I was lucky enough to be at Bristol Uni when Dave Riddett and Dave Borthwick were our technical support on the undergrad TV and the old RFT postgrad. courses. Both wonderful blokes, so knowledgeable and so generous in helping yet another cohort of students. When l watch W&G films l see the same qualities: love and knowledge of classic films and film-making, great humour and the fun that comes from being able to play with the expected, turning it into something new. ❤

[@uullllsss4787]

something about the models of the buildings are so cool to me I could look at them for hours

[@hoilst265]

Just watched this today. Perfect. Just perfect. It's now my favourite legacy sequel, beating out - yes - even the great Maverick: Top Gun. Ben Whitehead has does both W&G and Peter Sallis proud. Plus the legendary Diane Morgan as Onya, and Peter Kay and Lauren Patel...sublime. Who else wants to see the LAV cut?

[@lorainerocha8703]

I want that Grommit mug!!!

[@neilmustow368]

One of the best things seen on Christmas Day just brilliant brilliant brilliant👏👏👏👏hope for some big awards for this in 2025👍👍👍👍

[@dbslayer7]

I love that the film has themes of the benefits and dangers of technological reliance to coincide with the studio being helped out with advances in technology to build and create their films.

[@PeterSoden-eb6js]

Cracking! It was fabulous to watch Vengeance. Thoroughly enjoyed it.I look forward to the next one.

[@webbox100]

Just saw the film at the Bell Lightbox in Toronto. Laughed and got teary eyed too. Really loved it.

[@hotglassfilms]

Felt like classic Wallace and Gromit, was really happy about this film. Loved it

[@WannabeMarysue]

Live action reference footage is incredibly common in digitally animated movies. It's a good technique, and good to see it applied in other contexts.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

Absolutely. It’s great to see here.

[@fireaza]

Hell, Disney used live-action reference footage in their classic movies too!

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

I'm not a Mary, I'm a Julie

[@brickguy42-misprint-collecter]

0:32 gromit mug

[@shaunthesheep9024]

Nick holding a Gromit mug that came free with the PG tips teabags during the film. 🥳

[@JordanBAnimator]

Fantastic Video, showing the behind the scenes, nice to watch it again after the video vanished 5 secs after i’d finished watching it the first time you uploaded it a few days ago :)

[@princessthyemis]

This film was EXCELLENT!!!! The stop motion was incredible; the best you've ever done!!! My jaw was on the floor during so many moments!

[@joyceracing99]

The movie was great! The animation and materials are very impressive!

[@jakobravn5995]

How amazing you are, I've seen it, it's turned out great, I'm very fascinated by all your good work, just in general.

[@princessthyemis]

This is PURE ART!!!!!

[@hughchapman5319]

It'd be fascinating to see the animators performing the Live Action Videos segments cut together into the whole narrative

[@thomasjarvis3608]

Merlin Crossingham looks like he could be a character in wallace and gromit 🤣

[@samroe4294]

I always remember that in the Ardman documentary i believe David Tennant says that no one in a career office would recommend this

[@geoffmower8729]

Cracking documentary lads, you deserve a plate of cheese and crackers and big cup of tea.👍🏻

[@s_kelly]

incredible levels of juice on display by this whole team

[@malinhessedahl]

I love both movies

[@Lumibear.]

Great BTS guys, I love your work, so much talent. Who’s going to tell Will Becher that he’s missed a bit at the back of his head? 4:10

[@sadmanislam5111]

loved this film. It was great to see this behind-the-scenes video.

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

Whos Islamic?

[@gregthemaskscoobydooblackm3576]

i hope this film is released to itunes in the uk

[@bafta]

Do you have a favourite Wallace and Gromit film? 📽

[@TheLazyFusspot_3428]

The Wrong Trousers

[@debbiegeu72]

vengeance most fowl

[@MrNobodyDefinetlyReal]

The worng trousers

[@minicle426]

A Close Shave. AKA. The pilot for Shaun the sheep.

[@DJTomOke]

Got to be Wrong Trousers. A pretty much perfect 30 minutes.

[@PariahQuail]

They’re gonna sell a lot more Gromit mugs. I already got mine

[@timmyho1035]

Well done ❤

[@anthonyclayden7717]

I want a Gromit mug!

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

Clay den Chris Andrew Clay Bowling, 6/13/82

[@jonathan75801]

Still need to watch this.

[@MichaelBradley-c4y]

I watched it on Christmas Day and it's a masterpiece. The canal boat chase was just superb, and new character Norbot also made it special especially the scene with the lion in the zoo. I love the movie references in it. Did anyone spot the nods to the remake of Cape Fear, the original The Italian Job and Mission : Impossible - Dead Reckoning : Part 1? If you didn't you need to watch it again to spot them. I predict fingers crossed on this, BAFTA and American Academy Best Animated Feature film nominations are coming later this month.

[@therealraviable]

The fact they used Unreal Engine for the production of this film makes me think a new Wallace and Gromit game is possible

[@DBProds96]

its possible, just depends if a studio wants to do it

[@jgodden8022]

They did a VR game in 2023 based on A Grand Day Out. It was one of the less visible projects alluded to that Ben already voiced Wallace in. If they get round to a 'flatscreen' game it'd be great if they collaborated with the Thank Goodness You're Here developers.

[@dr.ortega1096]

Do you have one of the reference sheets that are used for the characters in Wallace and Gromit?

[@GreenSquidward123]

I think these might look like playsets

[@maxbateman6623]

Where do I get one of those mugs NP has?

[@shapes2000]

Do they "tween" the frames to infill some of the motion and increase the framerate, as it seems too smooth for handmade animation? Amazing film, loved the gnomes!

[@HiImPlayingRoblox]

I loved Vengeance Most Fowl so mgood

[@shaneoneill767]

It say January 3 on netflix soon to be the 6th now still on it here

[@chaImers]

GROMIT MUG!!!!

[@Blackrose29-q3t]

What is the name of the short. I want to look up.

[@jamezp1]

Vengeance Most Fowl

[@rogerwillcocks3659]

It's not a short, it's 1h19

[@laserbeamlightning]

Got jumpscared by the Gromit mug

[@hardrockinhere]

As a game dev, seeing Unreal Engine being used in this production is surreal

[@jgodden8022]

UE and Unity are both increasingly being used in the animation industry.

[@stchiao1209]

I really like the Wallace & Gromit series. Little Witch Academia is very welcoming, much like Wallace and Gromit, and there will be new projects in Little Witch Academia.

[@jamesrose6302]

[@willdatsun]

I liked the attention to detail such as the authentic looking archetypal Suffolk Punch lawnmower but IMO the film, was too polished , post production FX , on Grand Day Out it was charming to see the flaws and fingerprints and low budget bits of tat used as buttons and knobs etc.

[@andrewbevan4662]

Anyone fancy a pint?

[@HiImPlayingRoblox]

cool

[@HiImPlayingRoblox]

hi

[@helenmanwaring9002]

Very interesting but please ditch the distracting music

[@honestopinion253]

Flipping Nora

[@Bancofty97]

It's sad in a way that soon A.I will be able to replicate stop animation films like this, and it will only require one person on a computer, If you think A.I can't do this then I highly recommend you go watch some of the latest models and what they can do now...

[@lough1959]

Is it me or do Nick and Merlin also look and sound alike? And doesn’t Nick smile like Wallace and Merlin’s hair is like Feathers? Maybe this comes with working on animation films together for so long?

[@wyattearp2833]

I year of no ranting? Let's see how long it lasts hehe

[@tbip2001]

The background music is infuriating!!!

[@sacklercrossing]

Thanks! I was oblivious to the music until I read your comment but now it’s as obvious as the dialogue.

[@HowlGough]

Nick Park really channels Gromit in this, his little looks say a lot when the younger director chips in.

[@j.vonhogen9650]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks the background music during most of the interviews is absolutely horrible! I guess this is what you get when you trust young editors with no musical taste whatsoever to add background music to your video.

[@thehonestaspy102]

I'm so glad it wasn't just me!

[@matt014908]

Just filter it out

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

74,000 views 17:40

[@mauriceschoenen]

I’m scared:

[@Ian-Steele]

I wonder if Nick Park thinks the whole thing has grown so much and he’s lost control of his two stars.

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

Aardman never brought vengeance.

[@wonderwoman5528]

Background music is so annoying

[@Ian-Steele]

Agreed. Seems to be a characteristic of modern films where somebody cannot cope with silence.

[@calebm9000]

You can barely hear it except for certain moments

[@Ian-Steele]

@ So why have it there at all.

[@c.a.savage5689]

​@@calebm9000 Not true. 5 minutes before the end, the loop is UNBEARABLE. I had to stop watching. Especially as you're trying to focus onwhat they're saying. 😖

[@ceciliastenman2951]

I agree

[@edwardalexander9486]

...anyone fancy a pint?

[@tankmicr00man]

Excellent documentary, rather spoiled by intrusive and completely unnecessary music.

[@TheCebulon]

You really don’t want us to hear what they have to say? The music overlords the voices and they are very hard to understand. Why you this? There is no „background music“ needed in such a documentary.

[@simonturnill]

Just a tiny amount… Anyone fancy a pint?

[@armanmalekinezhad1675]

WE NEED A R RATED ORIGIN STORY OF FEATHERS MCGRAW . Like if u are agree

[@TheCebulon]

Stopped watching half way through. The music is so annoying, distracting and loud, you can’t hear what the people are saying. The music seems want to be the main character in this video. Thumbs down from me!

[@roasty80]

Shame they didn't apply the same effort into the 4k discs. Using ai upscaling is beyond dissapointing

[@AnOliviaShapedGremlin]

Oh wow. That's like the definition of half-arsed

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

How my mother, last name Ackerman 7/4 puts an antitrust law suit on you, for slanderous, harassment, and doxxing.

[@johnnewton3837]

The background *musac* almost stopped a thumbs up. The sound drowns the fascinating dialogue from the animators.

[@Midwinter2]

Astounding craftsmanship - but unfortunately, this film was very disappointing. The story was appropriate for a 30-minute film - but was horribly stretched out to 80 minutes. The gnomes grated on my nerves and the police characters were unbearably dull. Worst of all: the whole thing was just unfunny as hell. I hate to say this, because the previous W & G outings are some of my favourite films of all time. On the positive side, the performance of Feathers McGraw was excellent, and it was good to see him back. Gromit's expressions are always good too. But otherwise the whole thing felt stale.

[@dingopisscreek]

The attraction of the films was that they were all different. I was disappointed that they had to resurrect an old villain. Should have left him in jail. He avoided capture at the end so another sequel I suspect (yawn)

[@AnOliviaShapedGremlin]

I felt similar. Too many in-your-face callbacks, too much hamfisted messaging, too much expository dialogue, and then to top it off a big fat plot hook at the end just in case they want to drag an already overstretched plotline out into a third film. Feels like they tried giving it the MCU treatment, and I really don't think it works.

[@jtr549]

the movie was a bit disappointing, re-used an old idea rather than creating a new one.

[@horrorjunkie96]

all I see are talking heads. give us more behind the scenes b-roll please.

[@StephenBoyd21]

Now that half* then film is CGI then why not go fully CGI. Honestly I didn't watch the film thinking that's CGI, that's CGI. So your CGI work was spot on.

[@jakenewland-griffin9460]

because it would be the death of an art form in the public eye these people are the most well know, reveared and supported stop motion animators in the world the only other largely know studio is Laika and they struggle to get profits on their films if aardman walks away completely it will be a lose for all of traditional animation

[@DanJackson1977]

Go watch "Flushed Away". That's you're answer. The and made stuff is the anchor... it's the beating heart of the whole thing. Without the tactile hand made stuff... it's not Aardman.

[@jammyg1779]

@@DanJackson1977 while I completely agree that Aardman should keep being Aardman, flushed away was released in 2006. Today you could produce a cgi film indistinguishable from traditional animation.

[@garrettcarter5622]

@@DanJackson1977not that I don’t agree, but Arthur Christmas falls under the same label, and that was amazing.

[@hoilst265]

@@DanJackson1977 It's the difference between having a really good drummer and a drum machine. It's not perfection we're looking for in art. It's humanity. And humanity ain't perfect.

[@leodeleo18]

The voiceless ‘blank-faced’ penguin villain just doesn’t work AT ALL as a main ‘protagonist’ no matter how much these guys here wanna hype it up. Both Wallace and Gromit work fine BUT that lifeless penguin dragged down the whole movie, which also has too much software IT plot lines that is all too common nowadays, and also out of place for a Wallace & Gromit. Hope the next outing will go back to more character driven plots with characters that are actually expressive and not more blank mannequins or mere ‘robots’. And also, please, enough of the way overdone heist plot lines.

[@flyerphil7708]

Not!I think you are alone with all that!

[@davidtait7533]

The guy in the light blue shirt is really annoying! Seems all about him

[@cowycartoons]

Those two are the directors. Of course its all about them.

[@joshua_itssme]

Did these people forget how to talk?

[@mike2410]

The Mary Sue DEI character ruined this one. Such a shame