Black Hearted Barney Blackfoot

Barney Blackfoot (Ian Watkin) is a mean stepfather who marries Billy and Lucy's mother under false pretenses, before revealing his evil nature. Barney is helped in his exploits by his friend (a moving wardrobe). Together they set out to destroy Lucy and Billy's happy home. Designed in soft sculpture (Cabbage Patch Kids style) and filmed in live action with special effects, this childrens' short film uses no dialogue or narration, and creates its own special mood. The script is by Ian Mune, from a story by children's author Jack Lasenby. Read more here about how children were encouraged to be part of the film.

Black Hearted Barney Blackfoot was funded by TVNZ and the Department of Education, and screened in New Zealand schools as well as on television. Jack Body's musical score tied in with the primary school music curriculum. It was especially designed so that after one screening, it could be shown a second time without the percussion section of the soundtrack; children were then encouraged to use or make instruments to create percussion sounds to the film.

– Annie Murray writer about Black Hearted Barney Blackfoot (see 'Background' tab).

Key Cast & Crew

Annie Whittle

As: Mum

Ian Watkin

As: Barney

Yvonne Mackay

Director

Ian Mune

Writer

Lucy McGrath

As: Lucy

Allen Wray

As: Billy