What’s it about?
When a great blizzard descends on the small town of Blackbury, home to Albert and his granny, it appears to have brought a 14-foot tall Abominable Snow Baby with it! Where the locals show fear and hostility, Albert and his granny treat the creature with respect and love, and it isn’t long before the townsfolk are forced to see the error of their ways. Terry Pratchett’s much-loved tale provides the basis for this new animated, wonderfully festive film.
Terry Pratchett’s The Abominable Snow Baby
Terry Pratchett’s The Abominable Snow Baby, based on one of legendary author Sir Terry’s best-selling short stories, tells the story of a quintessentially English town which is thrown into disarray by a huge snowfall and the dramatic appearance of a 14-feet tall Abominable Snow Baby. Shunned and feared by the local townsfolk, Snow Baby is rescued by an indomitable Granny who along with grandson Albert, welcomes him into her home, showering her new pet with love and affection, changing the town’s perception and helping the community overcome their initial prejudices.
Screen legend and comedy icon Julie Walters (Harry Potter, Mamma Mia, Paddington) will star as the voice of fearless ‘Granny’, whilst Hugh Dancy (Black Hawk Down, Ella Enchanted, Hannibal, Downton Abbey 2) will take on the role of her courageous grandson ‘Albert’ with narration from Homeland star David Harewood (Supergirl, Blood Diamond).
Created with traditional hand drawn animation techniques to capture the timeless nature of Terry Pratchett’s story, The Abominable Snow Baby is part of a long and established tradition of Channel 4’s animated Christmas specials such as The Snowman, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and last year’s Quentin Blake’s Clown.
Channel 4 Head of Drama, Caroline Hollick said:
‘Channel 4’s original Christmas animation has become a real highlight over the years and this year will be no exception. I’m delighted Julie Walters, Hugh Dancy and David Harewood will be bringing to life this wonderful, funny and moving yuletide tale. With this amazing cast line up I can hardly wait… it’s definitely going to be a merry Terry Christmas.’
Production notes
TERRY PRATCHETT’S THE ABOMINABLE SNOW BABY
Director: Massimo Fenati
Production Company: Eagle Eye Drama
In association with: Narrativia
For: Channel 4
Executive Producers: Tess Cuming, Rob Wilkins
Voice Cast
Julie Walters (Granny)
Hugh Dancy (Albert)
David Harewood (narrator)
UK 2021
30 mins
FAMILIES
Funday TV preview: Terry Pratchett’s The Abominable Snow Baby + Q&A
Sat 4 Dec 12:00
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Sat 18 Dec 11:45
Frozen
Sun 19 Dec 12:50
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Programme notes and credits compiled by the BFI Documentation Unit
Notes may be edited or abridged
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