Channel 4 goes on a Bear Hunt

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has commissioned an animated special based on the popular children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

The show, which carries the book’s name, will be produced by Lupus Films. Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin’s production company was also behind the well-received Channel 4 Christmas special The Snowman and the Snowdog.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt will broadcast as a half-hour on Channel 4 next year.

The original book, published by Walker Books 25 years ago, comes from writer and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury.

It follows a group of children and their dog, Rufus, who decide to go on a bear hunt after being left along a day before Christmas.

“I am absolutely delighted that Channel 4 has commissioned this animation,” said Rosen. “Lupus have a great record in this field and I am very excited to be part of the project. Helen Oxenbury’s wonderful art work provides a powerful family saga, full of imagined or real trials and these pictures will give a basis for a moving Christmas drama.”

Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s chief creative officer, added: “Going on a Bear Hunt is a magical book that will be brought alive for a whole new audience by Lupus Films.