Return of The Snowman

During its first Christmas on air in 1982, Channel 4 broadcast an instant classic: The Snowman.

Channel 4 has announced that in its thirtieth year of broadcasting, it will be celebrating its animation heritage with a brand new sequel to Christmas classic The Snowman. The Snowman 2, set for transmission at Christmas 2012 (the 30th anniversary of the original film), will reunite viewers with the world's favourite Christmas character, this time in a brand new adventure with a new set of friends.

Raymond Briggs' iconic children's book follows the magical adventures of a young boy and the remarkable snowman he creates. Adapted for the screen in 1982, the Oscar-nominated film - wordless, apart from its evocative theme, Walking in the Air - has been screened by Channel 4 every year since it was first transmitted and has enchanted generations of children. Now Briggs is updating his own creation and the magic is about to begin all over again . . .

Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt comments: ‘The Snowman is an entrancing animation that has stood the test of time. I'm thrilled that Raymond will be giving us this sequel which I'm sure will be as delightful and unforgettable as the original.'

Raymond Briggs began writing and illustrating children's books more than forty years ago. His unique and distinctive style became established with the publication of Father Christmas in the early 70s, followed by Fungus the Bogeyman, the satire on nuclear war When the Wind Blows and, in 1978, The Snowman, which has become one of the most popular children's books ever published.

Puffin's Managing Director, Francesca Dow, adds: 'Puffin is extremely proud to publish The Snowman and delighted to be working with Channel 4 on this wonderful new animation, which will see a new generation of children enchanted by Raymond's classic creation.'

The Snowman 2 will be directed by Hilary Audus and art directed by Joanna Harrison, both of whom worked as animators on the original film.  Producers are John Coates, Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.  The Snowman 2 is a Snowman Enterprises and Lupus Films production.