TOTAL LICENSING
kept busy countering the piracy that ity that both Ronnie Barker and Harry
inevitably appeared. Worth also auditioned!”.
By 1975, however, such was the popu- “Our initial ideas of limiting the pro-
larity of Paddington, through his books gramme to ten licenses soon went out
and his toys (now on both sides of the of the window”, explained Nicholas.
Atlantic) that FilmFair created a pup- “We didn’t want a repeat of what hap-
pet animation series of 30 x 5 minute pened with The Wombles where they
episodes under the direction of now- became huge but the bubble burst.
legendary Ivor Wood. The series, We had the advantage of being able to
which both Michael Bond and Nicho- learn from The Wombles experience.
las Durbridge still believe to be the Although we had a big programme on
best ever, was immediately successful our hands, we did turn down some of
and Michael Bond set up Paddington the more ludicrous ideas, such as the
& Co to handle the growing industry manufacturer who wanted to make
surrounding the little bear. As he ex- Paddington toilet paper!”.
plained, “I formed the company but By 1979, a second series had been
was trying to run the commercial side made by FilmFair, together with three
as well as the scripts and the writing half-hour specials. One of these – Pad-
side. I knew I needed somebody and dington Goes to the Movies – featured
even my agent kept telling me this”. the classic dance routine from Singin’
The timing, in many ways, was perfect. in the Rain, with the full approval of
Nicholas Durbridge was ready for a Gene Kelly!
change from the law and, having es- “Singin’ in the Rain was a real labour
seen as one of the defining moments
tablished a great relationship with of love”, explained Michael. It took
in British animation”. The episode, in
Michael Bond, left the law practice four and a half months to make and
fact, was nominated for an Emmy.
and joined Michael in 1977. “I was de- ran wildly over-budget but it is still
lighted to make the change”, explained
Durbridge. “I always remember my
first day. We had a small office in Beak
Street in which Michael, myself and a
secretary worked. On my desk was a
• The second Paddington Bear television series by FilmFair won a
huge pile of papers, including letters
Silver Medal at the New York Film and Television Festival. It was the
I had written to Michael when I was
first British animated series ever to win a major award.
his lawyer. In effect, I was having to an-
• In 1986, Paddington Bear joined Richard Branson as a crew
swer my own letters!”
member attempting to break the Atlantic Blue Riband speed
The Paddington television series had
record.
a prime spot just before the early
evening news and soon attracted a
• In 1994, a Paddington soft toy was chosen by English
viewing audience of over 10 million.
tunnellers as the first item to pass through to their French
“The first series had a special kind of
counterparts when two sides of the Channel Tunnel
magic”, explained Michael. “The series
were linked up.
was voiced by Michael Hordern who
was perfect but such was the popular-
• In 1986, Paddington accompanied Mrs Thatcher to the
Conservative Party Conference.
Next issue:
More books,
• In 2000 Michael Bond unveiled a permanent statue to Paddington
at Paddington Station.
more
• In 1998, A Bear Called Paddington became Ursus Nomine
television and
Paddington when the book was published in Latin for the first
a trip to the
time.
Conservative
• In 1968, a horse named Paddington Bear and owned by Lady
Party
Aitkin, was backed by staff at Collins publishers.
Conference
• In 1986, a 40ft picture of Paddington was one of the main features
with Mrs
at the Blackpool illuminations.
Thatcher!
• In 1990, a 29ft balloon featuring Paddington appeared at Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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