The animated special “Reindeer in Here®,” premieres Tuesday, Nov. 29 on cbs .
The holidays can just seem overwhelming at times. Adam Reed decided to channel this feeling into something creative.
“When I sat down six years ago to write this book, it was [because] I couldn't find a positive Christmas tradition that also didn't stress me out as a parent,” says Reed. “So, I really tried to write a story I felt would be unique and different and that [people] would fall in love with the characters at the most magical time of year.”
He’s referring to his book “Reindeer in Here,” which is now an animated special. Reed serves as Executive Producer on the project.
The story features Blizzard or Blizz, a young reindeer living at the North Pole who bands together with his unique group of friends to save the future of Christmas.
Reed goes on to say, “When I sat down with my illustrator and we were looking at different reindeers, because, of course, reindeer are the most magical thing outside of Santa, there was one reindeer that we focused on specifically. That one reindeer had one antler smaller than the other, and that is the hero of our story, Blizzard or Blizz. “
The reasoning behind this, explains Reed, is, “Every child, at some point in their life feels different, and our film celebrates the uniqueness of every child.”
And he believes that the story also shows, “That Christmas wishes really do come true.”
To this effect, Reed says one of his Christmas wishes has come true because he was able to cast the voice talent that he wanted. “I'm so thrilled to have Adam Devine, Henry Winkler, Candace Cameron Bure, Jo Koy, Donald Faison, Melissa Villaseñor, and Jim Gaffigan as Santa.”
Lino DiSalvo, Executive Producer/Director, who’s previously worked as an animator, says that he was thrilled to direct Reindeer in Here because, “I think when you find a script that speaks to you, feels honest to you, and you can relate to the characters, it’s wonderful.”
When it comes to the look of the special, Reed says, “We wanted something that was contemporary but also had classical feels to it and felt hand‑painted. I’ve got to give Lino all the credit for that. He was the one that said, ‘Look, it's CG‑looking, but we're going to hand‑paint all these elements.’”
“I wanted to capture the charm of the illustrations from the book, so, when you watch Blizz, you'll notice that he has these little hero elements on him that really stand out. I really love the idea that the movie is handcrafted and very high quality. We take pride in that,” says Lino.
The special really is for everyone, not just youngsters, says Reed, “You can sit down with your entire family and the adults will pick up on things that children don't, and vice versa. We're excited to share this tradition with the world.”
Most of all, Reed would like for Reindeer in Here to becomes a Christmas classic that, “I hope outlives us all.”
‘Reindeer in Here’ airs Tuesday at 9pm e/p on CBS, and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day.
