Our story begins with a frantic chase through the woods. Patricia rushes through the trees clutching a book as she tries to escape the enraged townsfolk chasing her. Patricia accidentally falls through the roof of a mysterious building and finds herself face to face with the terrifying Witch of the Wilds. The Witch is initially hostile towards Patricia, but when she recognises her interest in magic, the Witch begins to warm to her. The two enjoy a series of magical shenanigans forming a connection through Witchcraft. Unfortunately, their fun is interrupted by the pompous Mayor Butterbean who turns up at the house with the other villagers in tow. The Mayor and the Witch immediately clash, and a showdown between the two hostile parties takes place.
At the core of the story is the relationship between Patricia and the Witch, an unlikely friendship between two individuals misunderstood by society.
The making of this film is part of a wider initiative to provide a platform for local artists, where new collaborations can be made between makers, writers, and animators. Using CHFA as a living resource, we hope to maintain traditional stop motion techniques while supporting new and exciting projects.
This project has been commissioned by CIT and Cosgrove Hall Films Archive with support from Arts Council England and Waterside.
Artist Bio
Phil and Ben, the animation men, are a words and pictures duo from Manchester looking to develop ideas for animated shorts and series.