Award-winning actor Colm Feore reminisces about a cold day when he entered Fred Smith’s studio in Kitchener, Ontario, to lend his voice to the Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, The Girl Who Cried Pearls. “I play almost every character,” revealed the versatile actor in an interview with CBC News, noting his extensive involvement in the project except for voicing the young girl. Feore, residing in Stratford, Ontario, with his wife Donna, who is associated with the Stratford Festival, insisted on recording at Smith’s studio.
Smith’s studio, a hub for various voiceover projects ranging from movies to corporate ventures, saw Feore’s exceptional dedication during their collaborative work. Praise from Smith highlighted Feore’s exceptional talent and preparation, often leaving directors and producers in awe with his spot-on performances in the first take itself.
The animated film, set in early 20th century Montreal, narrates the tale of a destitute boy enamored by a girl whose teardrops transform into pearls. Directors Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski expressed their pursuit of Feore for his voice talent, emphasizing his adaptability to diverse roles, including notable portrayals in films like Chicago and Thor.
Feore’s collaboration with Lavis and Szczerbowski involved delving into the nuances of the characters he brought to life through his voice acting. Additionally, Feore’s dedication extended to embodying the characters’ gestures while watching the film, ensuring a holistic portrayal that breathed life into the stop-motion puppets.
This recognition marks the second Oscar nomination for the Montreal-based animators, following their success with the 2007 NFB short, Madame Tutli-Putli. Excited to represent Canada and the National Film Board of Canada at the Academy Awards, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed their gratitude for the acknowledgment.
As the anticipation builds for the Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, Feore remains open to attending if invited, balancing his commitments, including the upcoming Screen Actors Guild awards where his series, Landman, is nominated. The Girl Who Cried Pearls, competing in the best animated short film category, stands as a testament to the creative prowess of its team, awaiting the results with anticipation.