Why Bob The Builder Has Moved Overseas

In 2013, cartoonist Gerald Scarfe explored a crisis in British animation, a gripping tale of talent, toons and tax breaks.

Like so many other industries, it was moving abroad with Bob the Builder and Thomas the Tank Engine both owned by the American toy giant Mattel. Tax breaks in Ireland and Canada meant much British animation was being drawn overseas.

Having been involved in this business for over 50 years, Gerald Scarfe has worked for Disney on Hercules and Pink Floyd's The Wall, as well as doing a weekly cartoon for the Sunday Times. His son is an animator, and his grandson wants to work in the business too, but will the industry survive?

With contributions from Nick Park of Aardman, culture minister Ed Vaizey, and Brian Cosgrove, creator of Dangermouse and Count Duckula, this is a high quality insight into a business we all take for granted, but for which other nations have enormous respect. In 2012, the Chancellor George Osborne, in his budget statement, stated that it was government policy 'that we keep Wallace and Gromit exactly where they are'.

This then is the starting point for a gripping tale of talent, toons, and tax breaks.

Producer: Miles Warde

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013

Gerald Scarfe and a gripping tale of talent, toons and tax relief.