When it came time for capping off the CG animated feature Sherlock Gnomes — sequel to 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet — Paramount Pictures and MGM turned to London’s Studio AKA to create two animated inserts and the film’s eight-minute, mid-century mod-flavored credit sequence.
“I’m Sherlock Gnomes, Sworn Protector of Garden Gnomes.”
Directed by Kung Fu Panda helmer John Stevenson, Sherlock Gnomes is a tongue-in-cheek homage to the classic turn of the century detective novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This iconic literary character is transposed to modern-day London and seen through the eyes of — yep! — Garden Gnomes. In this most elementary adventure, tiny heroes Gnomeo (voiced by James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) team up with the gnome versions of Sherlock (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Watson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to solve the case of their missing pint-sized friends and family. This action-packed, big city sequel also features the voices of returning cast members Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, plus Mary J. Blige as Irene.
“These Gnomes Are in Terrible Danger!”
Two “gleefully slapdash” animated inserts that feature in the film are artfully directed by Kristian Andrews, while the gnome-filled end credits were designed and co-directed by Eamonn O’Neill and Andrews; heading a dedicated team of animators at Studio AKA who were tasked with adding a little gnome and a tiny bit of drama to every name of the crew.
“This project was such a pleasure to direct. Thanks to everyone at Paramount Pictures, MGM and the wonderful team at Studio AKA for all their hard work,” said O’Neill.
You can watch the credit sequence and see more delightful images on Studio AKA’s website.
Sherlock Gnomes arrived this month in theaters in the UK, Ireland and South Africa, and will continue rolling out internationally through the year.
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