The Snowman Hits 40: The Christmas Classic Turns Iconic
It’s 40 years since Channel 4 first aired The Snowman™, the beloved film adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book. This festive favourite has become a national Christmas treasure, and to celebrate, a new 60-minute documentary delves into how this short 26-minute animation captured the nation’s heart year after year.
Behind the Magic: Secrets from the Creators
The documentary features exclusive interviews with composer Howard Blake, who reveals the inspiration behind the haunting Walking in the Air score. Female animators Hilary Audus and Joanna Harrison share the creative pressures they faced while bringing the story to life. Former Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Paul Madden and modern commentators like Children’s Laureate Joseph Coehlo, musician Tom Fletcher (McFly), and animator Dapo Adeola discuss the film’s lasting impact.
Myths Busted and Curious Facts
- Wrong voice revealed: The iconic song wasn’t sung by angelic choirboy Aled Jones originally, but by Peter Auty, whose contribution went uncredited due to a last-minute rush.
- TV blunder: Former Channel 4 boss Jeremy Isaacs spotted a glaring mistake – the animated TV only had three buttons, making it impossible for The Snowman to watch Channel 4! This was quickly fixed.
- Boy named James: Unlike the book, the boy never had a name. One animator named him James after her boyfriend – and added some cheeky personal touches, like skipping underpants due to tight timing.
The Snowman’s Enduring Legacy
What started as a simple tale of friendship has snowballed into a Christmas icon across 29 countries. It sparked hit singles, featured a David Bowie cameo, and inspired countless spin-offs.
Howard Blake: “I had this tune in my head. I’d written it in 1970 on a beach in Cornwall… just the tune, no words. And I thought, that’s marvellous.”
Hilary Audus: “Raymond had a dry, caustic humour. When he saw our work, he said, ‘these are terrific, I wish I could have done them’. He was so sweet, so modest.”
Joanna Harrison: “I’ve got a granddaughter obsessed with The Snowman. Watching it still makes me cry. It’s got that emotional punch every time.”
Paul Madden: “The film is about love but also loss. Christmas is happy but also a time to think of those absent. That’s its lasting appeal.”
Tom Fletcher: “My dad used to read The Snowman to me, making up his own version. It shaped how I see stories and even how I write interactive books now.”
The Snowman: The Film That Changed Christmas airs on Saturday 17 December at 5pm on Channel 4. Don’t miss it!
