The short follows a boy looking for a home.
Along the way, he meets animals who are also looking for a place to belong.
He was just concerned with making art to represent struggles within everyone.
Apple
DEADLINE: What was the inspiration for the original story?
To be truthful, when I first started out, it wasnt meant to be a book.
But when we reexamined them and looked at them, it did seem like it was worth it.
Apple
Which sounds odd now, but it felt right at the time.
What prompted you to turn that story into an animation?
MACKESY: Strangely, before I even made the book, I felt they could move.
And all through lockdown, I got so many letters from people who the book was helping.
I remember wondering if we could make a film where it would achieve the same kind of effect.
But, you know, the thing is all your life you have dreams.
I never thought anyone buy the book.
I certainly didnt think wed make a film.
So, its like a continued surprise, genuinely.
I still wake up every day so pleased that people have been helped by what we made.
DEADLINE: So what was the process of animating your drawings?
And I was quite naive cause Id never made a film before.
Im not an animator.
Im just a random author who draws.
All of that took time.
I had to make 360 degree drawings of each character.
I was always being like a grumpy teacher sending work back, taking and drawing over them.
If we get lost in the how, just remember this is the reason why.
Ill always be glad of the book, but the film is a whole other thing.
Im glad that we developed the characters and pushed them deeper.
We created more of a narrative, a linear narrative and each character has a clearer arc.
In a way, it forced me to think deeper about them and develop them further.
And we all went on this journey, which I dont really feel is ended.
