Numerous animators and other former Django staff from around the world reassembled in the Cumberland Bar last night in advance of The Illusionist's opening gala at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Wednesday 16 June.
Over three years (2006–09), up to 80 filmmakers – mostly French or French-speaking – toiled at their George Street office on the 1950s, Scottish-set, animated reworking of this previously unrealised Jacques Tati script.
During that time, the Cumberland was a favourite retreat from work pressures, particularly – but far from exclusively – on Fridays.
Last night, the relaxed international group and local friends quietly sipped fruit juice and mineral waters until late, comparing red-carpet frock notes and colourful memories of Director Sylvain Chomet, who was not present.
Pictured (left to right) – before Spurtle's camera unaccountably lost focus – are: Laurent Kircher (Lead Animator on Tati), Jean Pierre Bouchet (Lead Composition), and Sylvain Delcourt (Character Colourist).
For images from the film see www.youtube.com and www.edinburgh-festivals.com. For background information see also wikipedia.org