Award-winning actor Colm Feore recently reminisced about a snowy day when he visited Fred Smith’s Kitchener studio to lend his voice to the Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, The Girl Who Cried Pearls. In an interview with CBC News, Feore shared that he portrayed multiple characters in the film, except for one young girl. The versatile actor, based in Stratford, Ontario, disclosed that he agreed to voice the characters for the 17-minute feature under the condition of recording at Smith’s studio, known for various audio projects.
Fred Smith, the studio owner, praised Feore’s professionalism, noting his exceptional preparedness and ability to grasp the essence of the characters instantly. The voice recording session for the film, which lasted a couple of hours, was described as a productive and enjoyable experience by Smith. Feore’s talent for embodying characters seamlessly impressed the directors and producers right from the first take.
The animated film, set in early 20th century Montreal, narrates the story of a destitute boy who falls in love with a girl whose tears transform into pearls. The creators, Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, expressed their admiration for Feore’s acting prowess, citing his extensive acting repertoire as a key reason for seeking him out for the project. During the studio sessions, Feore collaborated closely with Lavis and Szczerbowski to bring the characters to life, paying attention to nuances and character details.
Feore revealed his immersive approach to voicing the characters by incorporating physical gestures and mannerisms while watching the film. Through his performance, he aimed to convey a sense of realism and depth to the animated characters. The film’s nomination for Best Animated Short Film at the upcoming Academy Awards marks a significant achievement for the Montreal-based animators, who previously received an Oscar nod for their work on Madame Tutli-Putli.
Excited to represent Canada and the National Film Board of Canada at the Oscars, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed their gratitude for the recognition. As the awards ceremony approaches, Feore anticipates attending if invited, while also looking forward to the Screen Actors Guild awards where his series, Landman, is nominated. The Girl Who Cried Pearls will be vying for the prestigious award on March 15, showcasing the talent and dedication of the creative team behind the acclaimed animated short film.
