Award-winning actor Colm Feore reminisces about a cold day when he visited Fred Smith’s studio in Kitchener, Ontario, to lend his voice to the Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, The Girl Who Cried Pearls. “I portray nearly all the characters,” mentioned the accomplished actor in an interview with CBC News. “With the exception of a young girl, I voice all the other characters.”
Living in Stratford, Ontario, with his wife Donna, who works at the Stratford Festival, Feore recalled agreeing to voice the characters for the 17-minute film under the condition that it would be done at Smith’s studio. Smith’s studio serves various purposes, including movie, documentary, and TV voiceovers, as well as corporate audio projects and music recordings.
According to Smith, he and Feore have collaborated on multiple projects, and he always commends Feore’s exceptional preparation. “Colm consistently arrives fully prepared. It’s as though he has the script memorized beforehand. That’s the level of professionalism he brings,” Smith praised.
The recording session for the film’s voices lasted no more than a couple of hours, including socializing and laughter, as per Smith. He added that Feore’s ability to grasp the essence of the characters impresses the directors and producers from the very first take.
Smith learned about the film’s Oscar nomination through a text from Feore. “It’s pretty amazing,” expressed Smith. “Engaging in what I love most for so long and having the opportunity to be a part of such recognition is truly remarkable.”
The stop-motion animated film, set in early 20th century Montreal, narrates the tale of a destitute boy who falls for a girl whose tears transform into pearls. Filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski expressed that having Feore on board was a top priority for the project due to his versatility and extensive experience in various film and TV roles.
Feore engaged in discussions with Lavis and Szczerbowski regarding the vision for the characters he voiced, emphasizing the collaborative process. Reflecting on the recording process, Feore mentioned incorporating the characters’ gestures while watching the film to bring authenticity to the voices.
This marks the second Oscar nomination for the Montreal-based animators, following their previous recognition for the 2007 NFB short, Madame Tutli-Putli. Lavis and Szczerbowski conveyed their excitement in representing Canada and the National Film Board of Canada at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Feore, contemplating his attendance at the Oscars, expressed willingness to attend if invited. He also revealed plans to be present at the Screen Actors Guild awards ceremony, where the series Landman, in which he plays Nathan, is nominated.
The Girl Who Cried Pearls has secured a nomination in the best animated short film category at the Academy Awards, with the winners to be revealed on March 15.