Montreal-based Cinesite Studios has partnered with the Harold Lloyd Estate and Comic Animations to adapt the early Hollywood legends’ films into a series of animated features. Cinesite’s Chief Creative Officer Dave Rosenbaum and Executive Animation Director Eamonn Butler will collaborate with Suzanne Lloyd, granddaughter of Harold Lloyd and the owner of his film library, on the adaptations.
“Today’s films and filmmakers stand on the shoulders of Harold Lloyd with his innovations and unparalleled sense of story, camera and comedy,” said Rosenbaum. “It is an honor to work with Suzanne and the Harold Lloyd Estate.”
One of the most influential and successful filmmakers of early cinema, Harold Lloyd (1893-1971) was an American comedy legend who got his early start acting in theater before shifting into motion pictures. As an actor, stuntman, writer, director and producer, Lloyd made close to 200 films between 1914 and 1947 — including silent classics Safety Last!, Girl Shy and The Freshman. He made an indelible mark on Hollywood with pioneering thrill sequences, daring physical stunts, innovative camera angles, color and 3D photography.
“By donning unassuming glasses, Harold Lloyd became the boy next door everyone could relate to and he shot to stardom to enchant and entertain generations of film fans,” says Suzanne Lloyd. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Dave Rosenbaum, Eamonn Butler and all the talented people at Cinesite to bring Harold’s comedy genius to the world in a new and innovative way. We need laughter now more than ever.”
Prior to his death in 1971, Harold Lloyd reflected, “It’s amazing me to me that these comedies can still strike a responsive note of laughter with audiences of all ages and in all parts of the world. Laughter is the universal language. It establishes a common identity among people—regardless of other differences. It is the sweetest sound in the whole world.”
