The Ballad of Nessie (2011)

About The Ballad of Nessie

'The Ballad of Nessie' is a charming and imaginative animated short film released in 2011. The story centers around the lovable Scottish monster, Nessie, and how she came to inhabit the Loch Ness. Nessie lives in a small pond with her rubber duck, best friend MacQuack. When a greedy landowner displaces her from her cozy home, she has to find a new place to live. The film is a heartwarming narrative about dealing with change, finding a new home, and the origin of the Loch Ness Monster legend.

Making / Production

Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by the duo Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters, the film employs a soothing narration style, interspersed with elegant poetic verses. The animation adopts a detailed and vivid approach, reflecting the beauty and magnificence of the Scottish highlands.

Actors

• Billy Connolly - Narrator: Connolly brings a distinctive Scottish charm and humor to the narration, setting the perfect tone for the story.
• Animated Characters - Nessie and MacQuack: The charm of the film lies in the silent yet expressive characters of Nessie and her loyal friend, MacQuack.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was originally shown in theatres along with the Disney feature film, 'Winnie the Pooh'.
• 'The Ballad of Nessie' is set in Scotland, the homeland of Billy Connolly, the film's narrator.
• The story of Nessie purposefully parallels the real-life story of the native Scots who were driven out of their homes during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Quotes

• "It's a tale of determination, of downright stubborn sticktoitude."
• "She felt a wee bit scared to show she cared, but she closed her eyes and down the tears splashed."

Music and Soundtrack

• The music score is beautifully crafted by Michael Giacchino and respects the Scottish roots of the story with the use of traditional Scottish melodic elements.
• Acknowledgements to 'Bagpipe Medley' and 'Walter and George Chalmers' prominently feature in the film's musical score.