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Aardman launches new 3D film in collaboration with Efteling theme park

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Aardman Efteling

Aardman Animations, the award-winning UK studio, has announced the creation of a new 3D film in collaboration with Dutch fairy tale theme park Efteling. The park’s 3D theatre attraction will reopen under a new name.

Aardman Animations is the studio behind much-loved characters Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit and Morph. The company specialises in developing and building enduring character brands across all media. Now it is joining forces with the family-favourite theme park Efteling, a fairy tale themed attraction in the South of Holland.

Efteling first opened its 3D theatre attraction in 2002, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund. Previously called PandaDroom, it is now being revamped with new facilities, a new film and a new name. The newly rebranded Fabula will show an original 3D film with 4D effects, created with the award-winning studio Aardman.

Efteling and Aardman Animations Fabula bear

Aardman’s bear that would not share

Like the previous film, this new feature will focus on the theme of nature. There will be a pre-show and a main show, along with themed play and refreshment areas. Guests will be transported to the savanna, ocean and jungle on a visit to the €3.5m renovation.

The story follows a grumpy young bear who doesn’t play well with others, preferring to be alone. Klaas Vaak (Mr Sandman) makes the decision to solve this by teaching the bear an important lesson. On a magical tour of different habitats around the world, our hero meets new friends such as an inquisitive squirrel. Through this adventure, the bear learns how to be respectful towards other animals. The funny and exciting tale is suitable for the whole family.

“We, at Efteling, are delighted to be working with one of the best animation studios in the world,” says Fons Jurgens, Efteling CEO. “Working with Aardman on the production of Fabula has allowed us to combine the latest in film and animation technology with a humorous and dynamic film that also teaches important moral lessons.”

Heather Wright, Executive Director of Partner Content at Aardman adds, “This is Aardman’s first major piece of original content for the theme park environment, bringing our unique skills of storytelling with brand new characters to a fresh audience.  We have relished the challenge of combining humour, emotion and drama with 4D effects in this exciting experience. The impassioned collaboration of the creative and technical teams from Aardman and Efteling has been critical in delivering a project we are all proud of. We hope fans of Aardman and Efteling alike, will love Fabula as much as we do.”

Aardman has had success with bringing its Shaun the Sheep IP to the attractions industry around the world.

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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