Award-winning actor Colm Feore fondly remembers the wintry day he entered Fred Smith’s Kitchener studio in Ontario to lend his voice talents to the Oscar nominated stop-motion film, The Girl Who Cried Pearls. In an interview with CBC News, the versatile actor shared that he portrayed nearly all the characters in the film, except for one young girl. Feore, who resides in Stratford with his wife Donna, who is associated with the Stratford Festival, insisted on recording the voices at Smith’s studio.
Smith’s studio is a hub for various audio projects, from movies and documentaries to corporate voiceovers and music recordings. According to Smith, he and Feore have collaborated on multiple ventures, with Feore impressing with his impeccable preparation and intuitive understanding of the material.
The recording session for The Girl Who Cried Pearls lasted only a couple of hours, including socializing and laughter. Smith mentioned Feore’s ability to grasp the essence of a character right from the first take, leaving directors and producers astounded. The news of the film’s Oscar nomination reached Smith through a text from Feore, prompting joy and appreciation for being part of such a remarkable project.
The stop-motion animation, set in early 20th century Montreal, narrates the tale of a destitute boy smitten by a girl whose tears transform into pearls. Filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski expressed that securing Feore for the voice work was a top priority due to his extensive acting repertoire, including roles in notable productions like Chicago and Thor.
During the studio sessions, Feore engaged in discussions with Lavis and Szczerbowski to align his character portrayals with the filmmakers’ vision. The actor emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, seeking nuances and details to enhance the characters’ authenticity. Feore’s approach involved not only voicing the characters but also physically embodying their gestures while watching the film to capture their essence effectively.
Lavis and Szczerbowski, known for their acclaimed NFB short Madame Tutli-Putli, expressed delight in representing Canada and the NFB at the Academy Awards. As The Girl Who Cried Pearls vies for the best animated short film accolade, Feore eagerly anticipates potential attendance at the Oscars, alongside his nomination at the upcoming Screen Actors Guild awards ceremony for his role in Landman.
The anticipation mounts as The Girl Who Cried Pearls gears up for the Academy Awards on March 15, showcasing the artistic prowess and storytelling finesse of its creators and voice talents.
[Source: CBC News]