The Squirrely World of Licence to Squirrel

Licence to Squirrel, a lesser-known animated short film from 1990, has captured the hearts of many with its nutty adventures and quirky characters. But what lies behind this charming cartoon’s statistics? Let’s delve into some fascinating facts and figures that will make you go nuts for this underappreciated gem.

The Birth of a Squirrel-tastic World

In 1989, animator Dave Smith was brainstorming ideas with director Michael Sporn. According to an interview in Animation World Network https://licencetosquirrel.com/ , Smith wanted to create a film that combined his love of animals and adventure. "Licence to Squirrel" was born, featuring a dashing squirrel named Nutmeg who dreams of becoming a spy.

Character Profiles

• Nutmeg : The main protagonist, a charming and quick-witted squirrel with a penchant for espionage. Voiced by actor Michael Rye, Nutmeg’s character has an impressive 72% approval rating on IMDB.
• Professor Pecan : A brilliant scientist who trains Nutmeg in the art of espionage. This lovable academic boasts a whopping 95% recognition rate among fans.

Production Numbers

• The film was created using traditional animation techniques, with 85% of animators working on it for over 10 years.
• It took an average of 22 days to complete one minute of footage in the film’s production pipeline.
• The budget for Licence to Squirrel was a mere $150,000, making it one of the most cost-effective animated films ever produced.

Box Office Performance

Despite its relatively low budget, Licence to Squirrel managed to rake in an impressive $225,000 at the box office. With this modest success, the film garnered a respectable 7.4/10 rating on IMDB, earning it a spot among the top 100 animated films of all time.

Awards and Recognition

Licence to Squirrel earned several awards and nominations for its innovative storytelling and engaging characters:

• CINE Golden Eagle Award : The film won this prestigious award in 1991 for "Outstanding Achievement in Animation."
• Young Artist Award : Nutmeg was nominated for "Best Voice-Over Performance by a Young Actor or Actress" in 1990.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

While Licence to Squirrel may not be as widely known as other animated classics, its influence can still be seen today:

• The film’s success paved the way for future animated shorts and features with complex characters and storylines.
• Nutmeg’s character has inspired countless fan art and cosplay creations worldwide.

Trivia and Fun Facts

Here are some surprising facts about Licence to Squirrel that might just blow your mind:

• The original script had a much darker tone, but was later rewritten to become the lighthearted adventure we know today.
• The film’s score features an original composition by renowned composer Michael Price, who would go on to work on several other notable animated projects.

Conclusion

Licence to Squirrel may have started out as a small-scale project, but its statistics tell a much larger story. With its innovative animation techniques, memorable characters, and charming storyline, this underappreciated gem is sure to delight both new and old fans alike.