Yeah, somehow. But that would make rich Jesper really unsympathetic, because it's not necessary for him to deny a small cat food, whereas with poor Jesper it's understandable that he has to think of himself because he doesn't have that much himself.
I have a question. At this stage you were doing animatics and I guess most of the story it's written... How was it or at what point you decided o change everything to the new approach? And how it was the process to start from scratch on to a new idea and not being stuck with the same solution?? Seeing this process it's extremely informative. Thank you so much for sharing it !!!!
Well Jasper 1.0 did had nothing to lose but if the promise was money, I guess he had a reason to endure what was to come. hope that personality can get repurposed in another project
I can only assume this is the most painful aspect of filmmaking. Working hard on an idea you were so passionate about only to realise it doesn't work and go back to the drawing board.
This doesn't hurt as much as abandoning the idea entirely. They still picked up a couple of scraps like keeping the character design and the people. They still have the main idea and it was Klaus.
I think this happens with all art projects because I also experience this is a writer. It really sucks when it's a whole character I have to cut out, but it does make the final product a better and more compelling piece of art.
I've gotta say it. This starting sequence and Jesper look incredibly appealing to me (the finals are great too). I think that the "If you happen to be born in the wrong place.." speech is reaaally good. And also the way he gets the job. The way he is mean to the cat as he has grown struggling with his environment. It feels more real and approachable. Anyways, thanks for sharing it!
Excellent character possiblitiy but the final one is definitely better because the contrast heightened the conflict, especially when it came to sacrificing his wealthy background for Smeerensburg!
Really?.. Eh, honestly the numerous perks offered to this (SUUUPER) down-on-his-luck guy seems like a bigger conflict, I mean the guy's been poor his whole life, then is offered luxury for taking a job off the mainland, which turns out to be hillbilly hell -skipping most of the plot- then the protag then arrives at a crossroad and has to choose the luxury he's been chasing after for so long, or a simple life, bringing joy to a town who's resident's been at war with each other for SOOO long that they don't even know what started it. In my eyes, the change to turning him into basically Kuzko from ENG is pretty... Barebones, adds almost nothing major story-wise apart from that cliche at-a-crossroads scene near the end. This opening honestly flips the script, I think it's the type of creativity that Disney's forgot about. But that's just my personal opinion (shrug), besides it would've added a few minuets onto the run-time, more bank for bang, IMO
it's always fascinating to see what didn't make it to the final cut. there are so many creative ideas in animation that just unfortunately don't get to see the light of day, so i'm very grateful for you sharing this with us! i enjoyed the sequence, but i can agree and see why it wouldn't have worked with the rest of the story as it develops. even though it wasn't in the final film, just seeing these animatics and the ideas behind them is really wonderful, thank you!
Thanks, that's the part I like most about the behind the scenes of a film: Knowing they twists and turns it took until they cracked the story. Glad to hear you appreciate it too.
So interesting ! The opening with the chimney was indeed quite on point.. but definitely having Jesper a rich lazy boy makes way more contrast and sense.. thank you for sharing this, for this amazing movie.. also thank you for sharing so much material from the production
I really like the idea of Jesper looking up at the sky whenever something bad happens to him, and in the end finding comfort looking up at the sky waiting for his friend to arrive.
@@Nico-zt5jl the rich Jesper was better because the meaning of the change, in this unused version the change would have been just him starting to become more kind, but being rich and lazy made the change bigger, because it was more than just an attitude change, but also a sacrifice of his perfect life for staying as a mailman.
I thought the opening was great, someone falling off the chimney that actually not Klaus will make people want to know why the movie is called Klaus, I love it. However, the final one makes more sense overall. Great job SPA team!
I CAN AGREE THAT THE CURRENT ONE ADDS WAY MORE CONTRAST TO THE FILM AND GIVES STAKES, but i still cant help but laugh and adore at this parallex universe of jasper and how he wasnt ur typical angsty teen with ACTUALLY a soft heart but instead just a down to earth jerk because that's how he was treated by jerks
I understand how it wouldn't appeal, though the sequence is very charming, it serves no purpose to the overall story (hes good because he's poor) but if hes sent to someplace bad, how is it gonna make any difference for him. Plotholes that are difficult to patch up and overall ruins the message. Though the final product relies on a lot more tropes, there is a reason why these tropes are used heavily in film, because they work. And if it didnt have to be a Santa Klaus movie, maybe the story could have flowed more naturally. But I truly can't wait for your next animated movie, hopefully you guys get to make the truly unique movie you guys wanted to!!
Isn't he mean because he's poor? Honestly I feel like making him rich just to satisfy that end goal of the movie feels a bit unrealistic. It's easier to make but I think the original concept is more unique. Poor guy sees shitty place and empathises and improves himself. Instead of a rich guy improving which is more predictable. I just wanted to point out that he's not good because he's poor you may have misunderstood that. He's just a mean person
@@capuchinosofia4771 Tropes aren't inherently bad but the reason they can be bad is if they're used in a tired and repetitive way. And tropes are inherently repetitive so it can be difficult
@@ashtimbog It's been years since I made the comment, and I sort of forgot what I meant by "he's good because he's poor". But I still see the movie wouldn't flow overall if he started out poor, because the character's journey wouldn't be much. He starts in a rough place, and gets sent to another rough place. Why would going to Smeerinsberg make things different for him. Though I still feel a little bit that there was something there. Like his attitude towards giving and sharing. Maybe as a poor and selfish guy, he slowly learns to give without any reward in return. Or something like that.
I KNEW they had changed the story from the very first trailer we all fell in love with. I understand they wanted to change the story, maybe because they were worried about accidentally creating an unlikeable character (like Woody in the early version of Toy Story), however, I think they should have stuck with this story and this Jesper. They could have made him rude, selfish etc, but have a pivotal moment in the story where Jesper shows how no one helped him, so why should he help other. Then someone confronts Jesper, and asks if he has ever helped anyone. When he realised he hasn’t, something shifts - just because he’s had a bad life, doesn’t mean he should draw others into his misery. It’s a huge moral that hasn’t really been explored in a children’s story. PLUS there have been ‘unlikeable’ characters in Christmas stories before - The Grinch and Scrooge! But unlike those characters, Jesper has a reason for being miserable and the audience watches him change and grow. I still like this new Klaus film, but it’s too similar to stories that have already been told. I hope the next Spa Studios film will not be afraid to take risks.
I agree. Even though I liked the contrast between Jespers rich background compared to Smeerensberg, he felt too shallow and way more annoying and unlikeable than Cuzco from the Emperor’s New Groove. This Jesper however had something that I felt like was absent from the final version: Depth. I understand that they had to cut this opening scene but if they found a way to combine elements from both this version of Jesper and the final version, than the character would have been way more tolerable and interesting in my opinion.
It’s not only because Jesper was unlikeable, but was also why did he keep the job? He had it bad in his old life, but in Smeerensburg, his life would’ve been worse. In his old life, he was poor, he was lonely, but in Smeerensburg, his job was an actual health hazard. His office had no heating and was in shambles. At some point in the movie, he would figure out that this life was worse than his old one, but he didn’t have anything keeping him there. The current Jesper had his luxurious life on the line if he failed. What did the old Jesper have to lose? A chance at a better life? In this version, he seems like a pragmatist, so he would probably think that it’s not worth dying over, and that he probably wouldn’t be able to realistically finish the job.
how it's begin is during his nightly routine of hanging out atop of rich snobs roof jesper saw a big bodied old man giving a bundle of something to some orphans in the street at night, curious he follows him to a run down house beside an old church way outside the town. the oldman suddenly turned around And called him out offering a place to stay for the night having nothing else and fearing what the old man might do to him he accept waking up alive he hurriedly get out of the bed almost leaping out of the windows until the old man get in the room to greet him and offered some foods and warm glass of milk jesper said no fearing it might be poisoned and leave using the job he absolutely spite as an excuse but not until he get a glimpse on an old painting of the man when he was younger hanging above the fire place holding a hand of a beautiful lady later that day he comes back to the place and a beautiful lady carrying a suite case come out she ask him what he's doing so jesper naturally utter the prase he hates as he had a thausand times before "I'm here to clean the chimney" but then added "may i ask who are you" she answered softly but with a sense of pride and confidence in every letter "i am mr. Nicholas personal doctor" just as they were talking the oldman ,mr. nicholas come out carrying a large sack but hurriedly goes back in as he sees his doctor, the dr. then screamed completely wiping out the image of a gentle lady "come on dad i told you your condition only will become worst if you come out during winter nights" the old man then sheepishly came out while laughing a laugh that slowly turn into a cough before stopping and says "don't worry laura your old man is as spry as ever besides i have to deliver these things" laura proceed to stare at him for a a bit until something light up her eyes she then asked jesper " hey you're a chimney cleaner right you must've been walked on the roof daily so can you deliver these thing to orphans on the street while you're at it well there's a few with an adress but otherwise just hands them out don't worry I'll give a fair pay" hypnotized by the lady's charm he says yes he does this a couple of times before asking himself what has he been delivering so he opens one of the bundle and see a figure of a man holding a spear and a shield with a letter s.c carved onto it while downing a red cape he oppens another and it's a rag doll with flower patterned dress and also letter s.c on one of it's flower and so after this delivery he comes back to the house to collect his payment but also to ask about something but today he didn't found the man in the living room but one of the back rooms as he's sewed clothes and make it as if it was never been apart He asked in a friendly voice to him" you need something else son? the payment is in the socks as always" but jesper just sat down on one of the chair and ask "why" nicholas paused for a moment before smiled and answered "why not, lives been hard for them as it's been for me and they just started it not long ago" jesper then exclaim"exactly, so why went through the trouble, even if you give them toys they won't pay you back and it might not even made lives easier for them and laura is worried about you you know"still smiling he says with a voice gentler than snow flakes and low enough to be a hum"why can't it be easier for them it had been easier for you hasn't it jesper" jesper sat there confused until realised then look at his hat to confirm and saw s.c embroidered in its back "how" jesper asked "i saw you need it while you were sleeping atop of the roof so i helped i saw the kids sleeping on the streets so i helped, i saw rich kids not getting their sleep so i helped, i can't do much without getting the government involved anymore but i can do this much so i did." Still pressed on his ideals jesper says again"but what if I'm the exception what if it's only me that gets better" nicholas now stopped sewing but still smiling says "only time will tell the magnitude of this and any other deed jesper fate isn't something that happens within a day nor can you grasp it with your arms only with temperance and strength can one reach their fortune, and if you were the only one that reach that fortune then I'll be glad someone reach it with my help" -this text has been stopped due to writers block-
I hope that original intro, with bitter Jesper, trickles its way down to future characters. I've related with that character in mere seconds because all of us has that 'bitterness' to us. And going on a journey with a character that hits close to home can be very cathartic to a lot of people. I wouldn't have the final cut of the movie any other way (it was perfect in every aspect, in my opinion) but I wish part of that original character could perhaps see fruition into future projects. Much love! 💖
I like the Jasper we got better, this one is good, but I really like the "rich likable douchebag that matures through out the movie and becomes a better person" Like in the Emperor's New Groove
I love this idea but honestly I prefer his final version, it feels more fitting and gives me Kuzco vibes, really sets the mood of the movie up better and the smaller set pieces make it seem more homely and Christmassy but maybe that’s just me.
The point they made at 8:55 reminded me of a line from 'The Adventure Zone: Graduation' where a character yells: 'I came from nothing, I can return to nothing!' It's much harder to go from everything
I really appreciate you guys making the hard decision of redoing a huge chunk of the story to make it better, especially when even this draft is appealing in its own way.
Even if it''s just animatics, it's awesome seeing more scenes from SPA.A lot of these shots are so terrific, especially the montage of him getting processed! In the abstract, the idea of underdog Jesper sounds more appealing to me too. But it's so true that great ideas don't always fit the final complete story. It says a lot about this studio that you were so willing to revise instead of boxing yourselves into one idea! Jesper's conflicted motivations in the final movie have such great momentum. I'm thinking of the scene where he argues with himself about how he wants to leave but can't; that character element was definitely worth the revision! This early version of Jesper would probably work better with a slower-paced film; the final fish-out-of-water Jesper is much more natural for the snappy pacing where he's plunged into a new setting. Especially since underdog Jesper would probably need some more subtle & complicated reason why he doesn't just bail on Smeerensburg.
What makes this even harder to imagine is that if his life was just marginally better in Smeerensburg, there would be no sacrifice for him. What makes Jasper so compelling at the end of the film is that he's giving up a life of luxury for a simpler one that is much more fulfilling, and in this version, there are no silk sheets for him to miss and he's used to being treated poorly so there's a very slight fall to a possible small climb before he realized that what he was doing was important.
God, I never get tried of these behind the scenes features and background info on what was changed or what could've the been within animated films in general especially when it comes to this movie. Seeing Jesper as a chimney swiper instead of the spoiled, self-centered, rich boy that we all know is rather fascinating also amazing to see how the movie "might" have been if this plot point had stay in the overall final product.
Yunno as much as I liked that opening monologue I'm glad they didn't go with the narration in the final product. It stands so well in the end that it doesn't need someone to walk you through introductions
Well, this explains why when Jasper´s dad comes to visit he does not introduce him to everyone. The way Jasper was trying to shoo him away from Alva and Claus and Márgo felt weir to me. At that point he would be surprised to see his dad, but he would want him to know his friends. And with how quickly his father leaves the weirdness intensified. It makes sense if his dad was not a original plot device and only added later.
What I love is, even in this version, the dry wit from the final cut is still there. Thanks for sharing this behind the scenes content. It's so cool to see what goes into making the final story. I also have mad respect for the team for doing what they had to to make the story right even if it meant scrapping so much work.
I love that opening shot with the chimney. When I see deleted sequences this good I often fantasize an alternate reality where they made it into the final film.
I am VERY impressed with the attention to detail even in the short flashbacks to his youth! At 2:53 You can see he's playing a hurdy-gurdy, which is an obscure instrument that in old times, would be played by the homeless as a means of making money.
I really like this version of Jesper too, but I can see why it wouldn't work for a movie like Klaus. I hope you get an opportunity to maybe reuse this character somehow for a different idea in the future =)
Thats cool. I really prefer this sarcastic unlucky Jasper over the egoistic rich one.. I love the movie and the final outcome but your original Idea was great too.
Other Jesper is 100% relatable, I'd love to see a movie about him. Like, 'Klaus' was wonderful, everything in it worked perfectly, but that chimneysweep? I felt that.
Oh gosh, it’s interesting, but also reminds me weirdly story of another artist that she started to write several years before movie. All I now is that story is about some lawyers and social contrast like in that version. Two characters from different families, one rich and other broke grown up being friends. One gone mad by gaining status and became blinded by his new life, while other is soft and honest, lost his friend. They are not main characters, but conflict is interesting. Her art style is interesting and works looks like they can be from animated movie. I dream to see this story animated, and now I really now which studio could do it right. Sorry, I now, it’s very weird and dumb thing to write here, but it still sticks inside of my head. Thank you for your attention a lot.
This kind of work is what makesme appreciate animation so much. The way Sergio Pablos issoperfectionist even in rough storyboards makes the whole result more delightful to enjoy. While this kind of Jesper wasindeed a little harder to like, the new one does feel similar to Kuzco, and I say it in the best way possiblke because it made him kinda nostalgic. We related him to anotehr beloved character from another beloved movie. My only negative criticism was the scenes from the first trailer (where Jesper is being constantly rejected from door to door) could've been added to the movie with just the voice being edited to the current one. It would be intresting to show reality crashing on Jesper about how hard this is gonna be. (and I would be lying if I deny I've watched and showed that trailer to family and friends DOZENS of times xD)
This explains a lot of things, specially why Jesper went trough the chimney so willingly while he was supposed to be a spoiled child. But, yeah, t was harder to believe he would be that desperate to reach the goal, so the change was for the best. However, the part I think did suffer from this was the ending, as beutiful as it is, it felt... odd. As it something was missing, and this is said "something". With the movie opening with Jasper narrating in a chimney to him closing the story before another one, a book end. Again, I like the movie I saw, but is nice to have an answer to that "missing" thing I felt.
I can think of a few ways to make this work and I kinda wish they had, because this bitter ‘no one helped me so why shouldn’t I return the favour’ character is so fun to me, and more original than the Kuzco-clone I think he became a little. I think that worked in the movie really well though, and it meant we didn’t set up a world we spent no time in. Ultimately coming from privilege worked as a backstory too, in an ironic way. It also makes how terrible his experience in Smeerimsburg funnier, rather than just the latest crud that was happening to him. Never mind, I think they went with the best idea. This might’ve been too depressing.
Making moves is sooooo hard! What a great beginning idea, I completely get why it had to be redone but I really regret not seeing the fun chimney sweep character. It’s so cool seeing this!
Goes to show that the end product of the movie tends to be different from the initial idea, but the core/fundamental elements are still present. For example, Jasper was still funny n morally grey, Sneerensberg was still gonna give him a hard time, n I can see everything from the original movie fitting into that first idea that the only detail I see changing is the existence of his dad. That's why behind the scenes can be really interesting cuz u get to see how the story is made and the little details changed to develop a movie
I personally don't see how they couldn't make the poor Jesper work. He would've stuck it out because he knew there was a deadline, 1 year of suffering, which he would've already been acustomed to due to his already crappy life. He just had to put up with a crappy job for one more year to finally be afforded the luxurious life that he always wanted. So his choice at the end to stay after going through all of the trials and tribulations he had to endure for the greater good of the kids would've been just as great of a sacrifice, if not even moreso than spoiled Jesper.
I actually kinda like the fist one you made, seriously, PLEASE MAKE ANOTHER ONE SIMILAR TO THIS ONE!PLS, i think a lot of poor poeple think this way and i dont know but it’s very interesting
I like that first one. That itself could be its own story, about the positions people are born in and things out of their control usually define their role in life and position in society
Really interesting to see this and wise choice to change it. Jesper being so dramatically different (and obnoxiously funny) in the beginning gave him lots of room for growth. Love the iced coffee and kicking critter. ;) Hope you will be doing more projects for Netflix. Loved this movie!
It's such a joy to see the original parts of the film! Thank you for releasing this. I wish you guys all the best for whatever new project you're working on.
Love the movie and has become one of my favorite Christmas movies. Only one thing brothers me tho. When Klaus and Jesper take Margu the sled, they have to take a ferry to get to her village. Yet when she’s in town, she’s always alone and even stays with Jesper late at night to learn how to write the letter. Where is her parents during all this. Margu cant possible be out all alone traveling on ferry’s by herself. Other than that it was a great movie. Also I’m sure the answer will be her parents where there just couldn’t see them. Haha
Gotta say, you could REALLY make the bitter Jesper angle work in something else since a lot of his bitter quips at how being poor sometimes sticks you in one place. Sure it didn't work, and couldn't work for the film you made. Maybe a different story with this same character could work
Thank you so much for sharing this! It's really interesting to see this early Jesper version and to see the changes you made to his connection to the Santa Claus myth.
the first version looks very interesting, maybe even more than the one we got if only because we get so few characters of humble origins, but i agree that if even smeerensburg was an improvement it would nt have helped his journey. maybe use alt jesper in you next movie?
Its amazing how much Jesper changed! I think the final version makes his personality change better at the end of the movie. Although Id love to see a story about a chimney sweeper :o
This is so cool to see. Lovely art and great fun sequences, I enjoyed them immensely and agree it's a shame they didn't make the cut. I find this bottom rung of society chimneysweep backstory very interesting, especially as an adult. However, if I were a small child I think I would have been shocked to see the protagonist lead a miserable life and end up a miserable adult, since kids think adults generally have sorted their lives out, or they must be a villain if they're negative. But who knows, maybe most kids would still have accepted him and enjoyed him as a main character. That kitty prank was hilarious dark humor.
I really want to see this sequence as a Film. I would love to see it. Please make it as a Film, I love the work you Guys do, and I would love to see more.
I hope I'm not the only one who got a sinister Coraline vibe from the phrase "The Other Jesper." It gave me this mental image: www.newgrounds.com/art/view/tickentock/the-other-jesper Anyhow, fascinating video as usual! Keep up the amazing work, SPA!
I really liked this movie. If there's anything I would have changed, it would be the trailer. The trailer portrayed Jesper as this man who really wanted to help and make a difference, which is what I was personally looking forward to. It took me a while to get used to the actual Jesper in the movie who needed to learn selflessness, as opposed to the Jesper I had created in my head. But that may be partly my own fault.
it would've been a whole different movie with this beginng! this set up has a very silly/comedic feeling with the playback really being a whole different mood than klaus ended up being
I just gotta say, I was rooting for this movie to get the oscar! When I heard Toy Story 4 took the prize I was so upset (pretty sure it was rigged). But just because Klaus didn't get the award doesn't mean it's no good. Quite to the contrary I feel Klaus is far superior to anything Disney has done lately. Everything about this movie is amazing and beautiful. don't stop doing what you are doing, I would love to see more movies from this studio!
Would other background but is the same Jesper xD and that is so hilarious. I loved the scene with the kitty, it's a shame that joke not made be into the final cut.
This version could have definitely made for an interesting story on poverty, but it probably would have landed too political for people to connect with Jesper the way the could in the final product
I really like this version. Even though it makes sense to make him rich and spoiled so that the change is more dramatic for him, I think a grouchy poor chimney sweep really suits him a lot better than a spoiled bum!
That bit with the cat was hilarious. It's a nice establishment moment of his personality for the story and why he has to change. But the final version was better for giving him something to loose and stakes. XD
I believe that if they had put this character they would not have passed this wonderful message that they put in the film. If you pay attention the film shows how much difficulty he went through to adapt to such a lifestyle while if he were this character he would not have such a problem. Also he would not try to reach 6000 letters to manage to go home and not stay on the street, but he would probably try to do it for a better lifestyle so he changes the subject of the problem he has. That's why I think I prefer the other character's story
I wonder what happened to the Jesper from the tests footage teaser from years ago where he looked like a more passionate postman, unless this is the one
This kinda gives a Donald Duck kinda vibe for this version of Jesper, and personally i would of been more invested since this kind of character is more unique in its own way, world is cruel on him so he is cruel back. Still this film was absolutely fantastic regardless of the change.
Is it just me or is it ironic that the deleted scene Jesper wanting a better life (as in wealth and riches) technically did get what he wanted albiet for only at the beginning of the film for being the son of the rich Post Master officier?
wish that cat gag somehow made it in, because it's perfectly Jesper & hilarious
And it felt similar to the baloon gag with Gru in Despicable Me, and Sergio pablos actualy designed Gru xD
felt like Kuzco and the chipmunk dynamic too!
I know!
Yeah, somehow. But that would make rich Jesper really unsympathetic, because it's not necessary for him to deny a small cat food, whereas with poor Jesper it's understandable that he has to think of himself because he doesn't have that much himself.
It is clear that it would take more time to show this story, but this Jasper is very interesting!
You're right, it was setting up to be a more complex story, but we had to work with the constraints of a 90 minute film. Oh well.
@@dopler91601 Really? I thought a non-mainstream animated film would be given more leeway.
@@liamdargen2444 Regardless of how independent you are, you still have a budget and a deadline.
I have a question. At this stage you were doing animatics and I guess most of the story it's written... How was it or at what point you decided o change everything to the new approach? And how it was the process to start from scratch on to a new idea and not being stuck with the same solution?? Seeing this process it's extremely informative. Thank you so much for sharing it !!!!
Well Jasper 1.0 did had nothing to lose but if the promise was money, I guess he had a reason to endure what was to come. hope that personality can get repurposed in another project
I can only assume this is the most painful aspect of filmmaking. Working hard on an idea you were so passionate about only to realise it doesn't work and go back to the drawing board.
This doesn't hurt as much as abandoning the idea entirely. They still picked up a couple of scraps like keeping the character design and the people. They still have the main idea and it was Klaus.
U sum up an architectue field... But add a model with it..
Killing your darlings is sometimes hard
I think this happens with all art projects because I also experience this is a writer. It really sucks when it's a whole character I have to cut out, but it does make the final product a better and more compelling piece of art.
same in programming codes
I've gotta say it. This starting sequence and Jesper look incredibly appealing to me (the finals are great too). I think that the "If you happen to be born in the wrong place.." speech is reaaally good. And also the way he gets the job. The way he is mean to the cat as he has grown struggling with his environment. It feels more real and approachable.
Anyways, thanks for sharing it!
Excellent character possiblitiy but the final one is definitely better because the contrast heightened the conflict, especially when it came to sacrificing his wealthy background for Smeerensburg!
That's right. We loved this version of the character, but it just did not lead to the story we wanted to tell. Still like him, though.
Really?.. Eh, honestly the numerous perks offered to this (SUUUPER) down-on-his-luck guy seems like a bigger conflict, I mean the guy's been poor his whole life, then is offered luxury for taking a job off the mainland, which turns out to be hillbilly hell -skipping most of the plot- then the protag then arrives at a crossroad and has to choose the luxury he's been chasing after for so long, or a simple life, bringing joy to a town who's resident's been at war with each other for SOOO long that they don't even know what started it.
In my eyes, the change to turning him into basically Kuzko from ENG is pretty... Barebones, adds almost nothing major story-wise apart from that cliche at-a-crossroads scene near the end.
This opening honestly flips the script, I think it's the type of creativity that Disney's forgot about.
But that's just my personal opinion (shrug), besides it would've added a few minuets onto the run-time, more bank for bang, IMO
it's always fascinating to see what didn't make it to the final cut. there are so many creative ideas in animation that just unfortunately don't get to see the light of day, so i'm very grateful for you sharing this with us! i enjoyed the sequence, but i can agree and see why it wouldn't have worked with the rest of the story as it develops. even though it wasn't in the final film, just seeing these animatics and the ideas behind them is really wonderful, thank you!
Thanks, that's the part I like most about the behind the scenes of a film: Knowing they twists and turns it took until they cracked the story. Glad to hear you appreciate it too.
Did you have a screening for the film when it was finished? If so how did it go
I hope you're able to get a character as bitter as the other Jesper to work in another story eventually
Maybe! You never know!
How interesting would it be if this bitter character was the one that became Santa Claus? That would make for another great origin story.
@@matti.8465 It wouldn't work for klaus. Klaus is inherently good at heart
So interesting ! The opening with the chimney was indeed quite on point.. but definitely having Jesper a rich lazy boy makes way more contrast and sense.. thank you for sharing this, for this amazing movie.. also thank you for sharing so much material from the production
Thanks for the support and we'll definitely keep showing stuff as long as you keep turning up to check it out.
I really like the idea of Jesper looking up at the sky whenever something bad happens to him, and in the end finding comfort looking up at the sky waiting for his friend to arrive.
Jesper starting as a poor chimney sweeper would actually have been so fitting and good
Would've been too cliche
@@lord_bobanewname4069
My dude he is spoiled rich kid in the actual movie that learns to not be that because Christmass.
@@Nico-zt5jl it is also cliche for a person, bitter and down on his luck, to have his mood changed by christmas is some way
@@Nico-zt5jl the rich Jesper was better because the meaning of the change, in this unused version the change would have been just him starting to become more kind, but being rich and lazy made the change bigger, because it was more than just an attitude change, but also a sacrifice of his perfect life for staying as a mailman.
it would build experience for jesper's tasks for klaus when they meet while he can be both a sweep and delivery man trying to impress delivery system.
I thought the opening was great, someone falling off the chimney that actually not Klaus will make people want to know why the movie is called Klaus, I love it. However, the final one makes more sense overall. Great job SPA team!
I CAN AGREE THAT THE CURRENT ONE ADDS WAY MORE CONTRAST TO THE FILM AND GIVES STAKES, but i still cant help but laugh and adore at this parallex universe of jasper and how he wasnt ur typical angsty teen with ACTUALLY a soft heart but instead just a down to earth jerk because that's how he was treated by jerks
I understand how it wouldn't appeal, though the sequence is very charming, it serves no purpose to the overall story (hes good because he's poor) but if hes sent to someplace bad, how is it gonna make any difference for him. Plotholes that are difficult to patch up and overall ruins the message. Though the final product relies on a lot more tropes, there is a reason why these tropes are used heavily in film, because they work. And if it didnt have to be a Santa Klaus movie, maybe the story could have flowed more naturally.
But I truly can't wait for your next animated movie, hopefully you guys get to make the truly unique movie you guys wanted to!!
Good point. I think this version of Jesper could have been a great character... for another story.
you make good points, but i dont think tropes are bad, and i dont understand their negative connotation when they are used well
Isn't he mean because he's poor? Honestly I feel like making him rich just to satisfy that end goal of the movie feels a bit unrealistic. It's easier to make but I think the original concept is more unique. Poor guy sees shitty place and empathises and improves himself. Instead of a rich guy improving which is more predictable. I just wanted to point out that he's not good because he's poor you may have misunderstood that. He's just a mean person
@@capuchinosofia4771 Tropes aren't inherently bad but the reason they can be bad is if they're used in a tired and repetitive way. And tropes are inherently repetitive so it can be difficult
@@ashtimbog It's been years since I made the comment, and I sort of forgot what I meant by "he's good because he's poor".
But I still see the movie wouldn't flow overall if he started out poor, because the character's journey wouldn't be much. He starts in a rough place, and gets sent to another rough place. Why would going to Smeerinsberg make things different for him.
Though I still feel a little bit that there was something there. Like his attitude towards giving and sharing. Maybe as a poor and selfish guy, he slowly learns to give without any reward in return. Or something like that.
I KNEW they had changed the story from the very first trailer we all fell in love with. I understand they wanted to change the story, maybe because they were worried about accidentally creating an unlikeable character (like Woody in the early version of Toy Story), however, I think they should have stuck with this story and this Jesper. They could have made him rude, selfish etc, but have a pivotal moment in the story where Jesper shows how no one helped him, so why should he help other. Then someone confronts Jesper, and asks if he has ever helped anyone. When he realised he hasn’t, something shifts - just because he’s had a bad life, doesn’t mean he should draw others into his misery. It’s a huge moral that hasn’t really been explored in a children’s story. PLUS there have been ‘unlikeable’ characters in Christmas stories before - The Grinch and Scrooge! But unlike those characters, Jesper has a reason for being miserable and the audience watches him change and grow. I still like this new Klaus film, but it’s too similar to stories that have already been told. I hope the next Spa Studios film will not be afraid to take risks.
I agree. Even though I liked the contrast between Jespers rich background compared to Smeerensberg, he felt too shallow and way more annoying and unlikeable than Cuzco from the Emperor’s New Groove.
This Jesper however had something that I felt like was absent from the final version: Depth. I understand that they had to cut this opening scene but if they found a way to combine elements from both this version of Jesper and the final version, than the character would have been way more tolerable and interesting in my opinion.
It’s not only because Jesper was unlikeable, but was also why did he keep the job? He had it bad in his old life, but in Smeerensburg, his life would’ve been worse. In his old life, he was poor, he was lonely, but in Smeerensburg, his job was an actual health hazard. His office had no heating and was in shambles. At some point in the movie, he would figure out that this life was worse than his old one, but he didn’t have anything keeping him there. The current Jesper had his luxurious life on the line if he failed. What did the old Jesper have to lose? A chance at a better life? In this version, he seems like a pragmatist, so he would probably think that it’s not worth dying over, and that he probably wouldn’t be able to realistically finish the job.
I would like to see how they take advantage of this version of Jesper, maybe in a new story/movie, although I don't know how it could work
how it's begin is during his nightly routine of hanging out atop of rich snobs roof jesper saw a big bodied old man giving a bundle of something to some orphans in the street at night, curious he follows him to a run down house beside an old church way outside the town. the oldman suddenly turned around
And called him out offering a place to stay for the night having nothing else and fearing what the old man might do to him he accept waking up alive he hurriedly get out of the bed almost leaping out of the windows until the old man get in the room to greet him and offered some foods and warm glass of milk jesper said no fearing it might be poisoned and leave using the job he absolutely spite as an excuse but not until he get a glimpse on an old painting of the man when he was younger hanging above the fire place holding a hand of a beautiful lady later that day he comes back to the place and a beautiful lady carrying a suite case come out she ask him what he's doing so jesper naturally utter the prase he hates as he had a thausand times before
"I'm here to clean the chimney" but then added "may i ask who are you" she answered softly but with a sense of pride and confidence in every letter "i am mr. Nicholas personal doctor" just as they were talking the oldman ,mr. nicholas come out carrying a large sack but hurriedly goes back in as he sees his doctor, the dr. then screamed completely wiping out the image of a gentle lady "come on dad i told you your condition only will become worst if you come out during winter nights" the old man then sheepishly came out while laughing a laugh that slowly turn into a cough before stopping and says "don't worry laura your old man is as spry as ever besides i have to deliver these things" laura proceed to stare at him for a a bit until something light up her eyes she then asked jesper " hey you're a chimney cleaner right you must've been walked on the roof daily so can you deliver these thing to orphans on the street while you're at it well there's a few with an adress but otherwise just hands them out don't worry I'll give a fair pay" hypnotized by the lady's charm he says yes he does this a couple of times before asking himself what has he been delivering so he opens one of the bundle and see a figure of a man holding a spear and a shield with a letter s.c carved onto it while downing a red cape he oppens another and it's a rag doll with flower patterned dress and also letter s.c on one of it's flower and so after this delivery he comes back to the house to collect his payment but also to ask about something but today he didn't found the man in the living room but one of the back rooms as he's sewed clothes and make it as if it was never been apart
He asked in a friendly voice to him" you need something else son? the payment is in the socks as always" but jesper just sat down on one of the chair and ask
"why" nicholas paused for a moment before smiled and answered "why not, lives been hard for them as it's been for me and they just started it not long ago" jesper then exclaim"exactly, so why went through the trouble, even if you give them toys they won't pay you back and it might not even made lives easier for them and laura is worried about you you know"still smiling he says with a voice gentler than snow flakes and low enough to be a hum"why can't it be easier for them it had been easier for you hasn't it jesper" jesper sat there confused until realised then look at his hat to confirm and saw s.c embroidered in its back "how" jesper asked "i saw you need it while you were sleeping atop of the roof so i helped i saw the kids sleeping on the streets so i helped, i saw rich kids not getting their sleep so i helped, i can't do much without getting the government involved anymore but i can do this much so i did." Still pressed on his ideals jesper says again"but what if I'm the exception what if it's only me that gets better" nicholas now stopped sewing but still smiling says "only time will tell the magnitude of this and any other deed jesper fate isn't something that happens within a day nor can you grasp it with your arms only with temperance and strength can one reach their fortune, and if you were the only one that reach that fortune then I'll be glad someone reach it with my help"
-this text has been stopped due to writers block-
For some reason I think this version of Jesper is more appealing and original
I hope that original intro, with bitter Jesper, trickles its way down to future characters. I've related with that character in mere seconds because all of us has that 'bitterness' to us. And going on a journey with a character that hits close to home can be very cathartic to a lot of people. I wouldn't have the final cut of the movie any other way (it was perfect in every aspect, in my opinion) but I wish part of that original character could perhaps see fruition into future projects. Much love! 💖
I like the Jasper we got better, this one is good, but I really like the "rich likable douchebag that matures through out the movie and becomes a better person"
Like in the Emperor's New Groove
This is the best movie I’ve seen in a while
I say this still works as a beginning. The movie could have gone mostly the same, but Jesper growth wouldn't be felt as much because it lacks impact.
I love this idea but honestly I prefer his final version, it feels more fitting and gives me Kuzco vibes, really sets the mood of the movie up better and the smaller set pieces make it seem more homely and Christmassy but maybe that’s just me.
The point they made at 8:55 reminded me of a line from 'The Adventure Zone: Graduation' where a character yells: 'I came from nothing, I can return to nothing!' It's much harder to go from everything
I really appreciate you guys making the hard decision of redoing a huge chunk of the story to make it better, especially when even this draft is appealing in its own way.
Even if it''s just animatics, it's awesome seeing more scenes from SPA.A lot of these shots are so terrific, especially the montage of him getting processed!
In the abstract, the idea of underdog Jesper sounds more appealing to me too. But it's so true that great ideas don't always fit the final complete story. It says a lot about this studio that you were so willing to revise instead of boxing yourselves into one idea!
Jesper's conflicted motivations in the final movie have such great momentum. I'm thinking of the scene where he argues with himself about how he wants to leave but can't; that character element was definitely worth the revision!
This early version of Jesper would probably work better with a slower-paced film; the final fish-out-of-water Jesper is much more natural for the snappy pacing where he's plunged into a new setting. Especially since underdog Jesper would probably need some more subtle & complicated reason why he doesn't just bail on Smeerensburg.
You know it’s a good movie when even the deleted scenes are fun to watch.
“Finding the story is a long process.” Preaching to the choir. Good art can never be rushed.
Absolutely Love the Scene with the Cat and the bird...good one
What makes this even harder to imagine is that if his life was just marginally better in Smeerensburg, there would be no sacrifice for him. What makes Jasper so compelling at the end of the film is that he's giving up a life of luxury for a simpler one that is much more fulfilling, and in this version, there are no silk sheets for him to miss and he's used to being treated poorly so there's a very slight fall to a possible small climb before he realized that what he was doing was important.
God, I never get tried of these behind the scenes features and background info on what was changed or what could've the been within animated films in general especially when it comes to this movie. Seeing Jesper as a chimney swiper instead of the spoiled, self-centered, rich boy that we all know is rather fascinating also amazing to see how the movie "might" have been if this plot point had stay in the overall final product.
Yunno as much as I liked that opening monologue I'm glad they didn't go with the narration in the final product. It stands so well in the end that it doesn't need someone to walk you through introductions
this character is so much more interesting to me right off the bat. but i can see how the overall story is stronger with the jesper you went with.
Well, this explains why when Jasper´s dad comes to visit he does not introduce him to everyone. The way Jasper was trying to shoo him away from Alva and Claus and Márgo felt weir to me. At that point he would be surprised to see his dad, but he would want him to know his friends. And with how quickly his father leaves the weirdness intensified. It makes sense if his dad was not a original plot device and only added later.
What I love is, even in this version, the dry wit from the final cut is still there. Thanks for sharing this behind the scenes content. It's so cool to see what goes into making the final story. I also have mad respect for the team for doing what they had to to make the story right even if it meant scrapping so much work.
I love that opening shot with the chimney.
When I see deleted sequences this good I often fantasize an alternate reality where they made it into the final film.
This feels like it could be used for a different movie intro..maybe with a few changes but still quite an interesting start.
Still such a fun version of Jasper!
I really appreciate that the team shared this story development :)
I am VERY impressed with the attention to detail even in the short flashbacks to his youth! At 2:53 You can see he's playing a hurdy-gurdy, which is an obscure instrument that in old times, would be played by the homeless as a means of making money.
I really like this version of Jesper too, but I can see why it wouldn't work for a movie like Klaus. I hope you get an opportunity to maybe reuse this character somehow for a different idea in the future =)
Thats cool. I really prefer this sarcastic unlucky Jasper over the egoistic rich one.. I love the movie and the final outcome but your original Idea was great too.
Other Jesper is 100% relatable, I'd love to see a movie about him. Like, 'Klaus' was wonderful, everything in it worked perfectly, but that chimneysweep? I felt that.
This is amazing I would love to see this version of jasper but I’m also really happy how the movie actually turned out it’s just good
Oh gosh, it’s interesting, but also reminds me weirdly story of another artist that she started to write several years before movie. All I now is that story is about some lawyers and social contrast like in that version. Two characters from different families, one rich and other broke grown up being friends. One gone mad by gaining status and became blinded by his new life, while other is soft and honest, lost his friend. They are not main characters, but conflict is interesting. Her art style is interesting and works looks like they can be from animated movie. I dream to see this story animated, and now I really now which studio could do it right. Sorry, I now, it’s very weird and dumb thing to write here, but it still sticks inside of my head. Thank you for your attention a lot.
This kind of work is what makesme appreciate animation so much. The way Sergio Pablos issoperfectionist even in rough storyboards makes the whole result more delightful to enjoy. While this kind of Jesper wasindeed a little harder to like, the new one does feel similar to Kuzco, and I say it in the best way possiblke because it made him kinda nostalgic. We related him to anotehr beloved character from another beloved movie. My only negative criticism was the scenes from the first trailer (where Jesper is being constantly rejected from door to door) could've been added to the movie with just the voice being edited to the current one. It would be intresting to show reality crashing on Jesper about how hard this is gonna be. (and I would be lying if I deny I've watched and showed that trailer to family and friends DOZENS of times xD)
They changes the story completely! even though its really worthwhile in the end it's such a brave decision to change the whole concept
I hope to see many more animated movies from you guys! Your visual storytelling and gags are the best! :)
This explains a lot of things, specially why Jesper went trough the chimney so willingly while he was supposed to be a spoiled child. But, yeah, t was harder to believe he would be that desperate to reach the goal, so the change was for the best.
However, the part I think did suffer from this was the ending, as beutiful as it is, it felt... odd. As it something was missing, and this is said "something". With the movie opening with Jasper narrating in a chimney to him closing the story before another one, a book end. Again, I like the movie I saw, but is nice to have an answer to that "missing" thing I felt.
I can think of a few ways to make this work and I kinda wish they had, because this bitter ‘no one helped me so why shouldn’t I return the favour’ character is so fun to me, and more original than the Kuzco-clone I think he became a little. I think that worked in the movie really well though, and it meant we didn’t set up a world we spent no time in. Ultimately coming from privilege worked as a backstory too, in an ironic way. It also makes how terrible his experience in Smeerimsburg funnier, rather than just the latest crud that was happening to him.
Never mind, I think they went with the best idea. This might’ve been too depressing.
I would give anything to work alongside this man, Sergio Pablos.
It's a really good thing they changed it because the story became very unique and special.
Making moves is sooooo hard! What a great beginning idea, I completely get why it had to be redone but I really regret not seeing the fun chimney sweep character. It’s so cool seeing this!
Man, really is a shame it couldn't work with the movie! I love the storytelling and world building here.
Can't wait for the next SPA production!!!
Goes to show that the end product of the movie tends to be different from the initial idea, but the core/fundamental elements are still present. For example, Jasper was still funny n morally grey, Sneerensberg was still gonna give him a hard time, n I can see everything from the original movie fitting into that first idea that the only detail I see changing is the existence of his dad. That's why behind the scenes can be really interesting cuz u get to see how the story is made and the little details changed to develop a movie
That such an interesting option. I love those boards 💙. They are so beautiful to watch.
I personally don't see how they couldn't make the poor Jesper work. He would've stuck it out because he knew there was a deadline, 1 year of suffering, which he would've already been acustomed to due to his already crappy life. He just had to put up with a crappy job for one more year to finally be afforded the luxurious life that he always wanted. So his choice at the end to stay after going through all of the trials and tribulations he had to endure for the greater good of the kids would've been just as great of a sacrifice, if not even moreso than spoiled Jesper.
I actually kinda like the fist one you made, seriously, PLEASE MAKE ANOTHER ONE SIMILAR TO THIS ONE!PLS, i think a lot of poor poeple think this way and i dont know but it’s very interesting
I like that first one. That itself could be its own story, about the positions people are born in and things out of their control usually define their role in life and position in society
Really interesting to see this and wise choice to change it. Jesper being so dramatically different (and obnoxiously funny) in the beginning gave him lots of room for growth. Love the iced coffee and kicking critter. ;) Hope you will be doing more projects for Netflix. Loved this movie!
It's such a joy to see the original parts of the film! Thank you for releasing this. I wish you guys all the best for whatever new project you're working on.
Love the movie and has become one of my favorite Christmas movies. Only one thing brothers me tho. When Klaus and Jesper take Margu the sled, they have to take a ferry to get to her village. Yet when she’s in town, she’s always alone and even stays with Jesper late at night to learn how to write the letter. Where is her parents during all this. Margu cant possible be out all alone traveling on ferry’s by herself. Other than that it was a great movie. Also I’m sure the answer will be her parents where there just couldn’t see them. Haha
I like this version MORE!
Gotta say, you could REALLY make the bitter Jesper angle work in something else since a lot of his bitter quips at how being poor sometimes sticks you in one place. Sure it didn't work, and couldn't work for the film you made. Maybe a different story with this same character could work
I would have left the scene with the coffee cup 0:48 in the film, just classic.
The save the cat! scene is SO FUNNY... I feel sad it didn't make it to the final movie...
“This guys life sucks so bad”
Sergio Pablos~
I like Both versions, but I get why they decided to change it.
Too bad for that cat joke though XD
I wanted to see this version of Klaus, it seems cool
Thank you so much for sharing this!
It's really interesting to see this early Jesper version and to see the changes you made to his connection to the Santa Claus myth.
the first version looks very interesting, maybe even more than the one we got if only because we get so few characters of humble origins, but i agree that if even smeerensburg was an improvement it would nt have helped his journey.
maybe use alt jesper in you next movie?
This was very interesting. I love seeing behind the scenes of this movie. It’s just great.
As interesting and fun this idea seems, I think you guys made the right choice in the end. Klaus came out beautiful!
Thank you for sharing this. So important lessons for all aspiring directors!
Its amazing how much Jesper changed! I think the final version makes his personality change better at the end of the movie. Although Id love to see a story about a chimney sweeper :o
At 3:33. It's "paragon of virtue". Not "paradigm of virtue."
This is so cool to see. Lovely art and great fun sequences, I enjoyed them immensely and agree it's a shame they didn't make the cut. I find this bottom rung of society chimneysweep backstory very interesting, especially as an adult. However, if I were a small child I think I would have been shocked to see the protagonist lead a miserable life and end up a miserable adult, since kids think adults generally have sorted their lives out, or they must be a villain if they're negative. But who knows, maybe most kids would still have accepted him and enjoyed him as a main character. That kitty prank was hilarious dark humor.
I really want to see this sequence as a Film. I would love to see it.
Please make it as a Film, I love the work you Guys do, and I would love to see more.
They should make films set in this world and explore other characters like this guy.
Maybe in another movie this Jesper could work.
I hope I'm not the only one who got a sinister Coraline vibe from the phrase "The Other Jesper." It gave me this mental image:
www.newgrounds.com/art/view/tickentock/the-other-jesper
Anyhow, fascinating video as usual! Keep up the amazing work, SPA!
this looks amazing!
Thank you for sharing more Klaus!
You're welcome.
Bro perfect AU
I really liked this movie. If there's anything I would have changed, it would be the trailer. The trailer portrayed Jesper as this man who really wanted to help and make a difference, which is what I was personally looking forward to. It took me a while to get used to the actual Jesper in the movie who needed to learn selflessness, as opposed to the Jesper I had created in my head. But that may be partly my own fault.
it would've been a whole different movie with this beginng! this set up has a very silly/comedic feeling with the playback really being a whole different mood than klaus ended up being
Happy late Christmas to Klaus, Netflix animation
I just gotta say, I was rooting for this movie to get the oscar! When I heard Toy Story 4 took the prize I was so upset (pretty sure it was rigged). But just because Klaus didn't get the award doesn't mean it's no good. Quite to the contrary I feel Klaus is far superior to anything Disney has done lately. Everything about this movie is amazing and beautiful. don't stop doing what you are doing, I would love to see more movies from this studio!
It was the right change. This version requires too much exposition.
Would other background but is the same Jesper xD and that is so hilarious. I loved the scene with the kitty, it's a shame that joke not made be into the final cut.
This version could have definitely made for an interesting story on poverty, but it probably would have landed too political for people to connect with Jesper the way the could in the final product
Okay but imagine this version of Jasper in a story where HE is the one that becomes Santa Claus?
I really like this version. Even though it makes sense to make him rich and spoiled so that the change is more dramatic for him, I think a grouchy poor chimney sweep really suits him a lot better than a spoiled bum!
Dang what a contrast to the final cut but it was still fun to watch this little bit it's like a small Klaus dlc lol
aaaa perfect content. I love these behind the scenes / possible ideas videos!
I actually like this version quite a bit, I still feel like they did the right desicion though
That bit with the cat was hilarious. It's a nice establishment moment of his personality for the story and why he has to change. But the final version was better for giving him something to loose and stakes. XD
I think this is better
I believe that if they had put this character they would not have passed this wonderful message that they put in the film. If you pay attention the film shows how much difficulty he went through to adapt to such a lifestyle while if he were this character he would not have such a problem. Also he would not try to reach 6000 letters to manage to go home and not stay on the street, but he would probably try to do it for a better lifestyle so he changes the subject of the problem he has. That's why I think I prefer the other character's story
Great film! Wouldn’t change a thing
This move was so much better then Frozen 2, it was a great telling of the start of Santa Clause.
I wonder what happened to the Jesper from the tests footage teaser from years ago where he looked like a more passionate postman, unless this is the one
This kinda gives a Donald Duck kinda vibe for this version of Jesper, and personally i would of been more invested since this kind of character is more unique in its own way, world is cruel on him so he is cruel back. Still this film was absolutely fantastic regardless of the change.
Is it just me or is it ironic that the deleted scene Jesper wanting a better life (as in wealth and riches) technically did get what he wanted albiet for only at the beginning of the film for being the son of the rich Post Master officier?