How a charmingly crafted pitch saved a beloved graphic novel from a soulless adaptation.
In short: When Luke Pearson’s graphic novel series Hilda faced television adaptation, many production companies missed the mark. Silvergate Media secured the rights by mailing a pitch designed as a prop from Hilda’s own satchel. This playful, authentic approach preserved the core spirit of the series, launching a critically acclaimed Netflix hit.
The transition from page to screen began in 2014 when Silvergate producer Kurt Mueller discovered the first book, Hildafolk, in a Brooklyn bookstore. Pearson, who had previously worked as a storyboard artist on Adventure Time, was initially wary of television adaptations. He feared that corporate interest would strip away the series' soul, leaving only a formulaic shell. Silvergate’s eventual pitch—which included a tiny elf letter and a wooden USB stick—convinced Pearson that his creation was in capable hands.
To expand the world for television, Pearson collaborated with head writer Stephanie Simpson. They elevated minor characters like Frida and David, who had appeared briefly in the book The Black Hound, into central roles. The series, animated by Mercury Filmworks, drew heavily from Scandinavian folklore, specifically referencing William Alexander Craigie’s collection of traditional beliefs. This commitment to detail extended to the visual style, where Mercury animators translated Pearson’s sketches into a cohesive aesthetic, even using dot eyes to help certain characters blend into the show’s unique environment.
Debuting on Netflix in 2018, the series followed the adventures of a fearless girl named Hilda, her mother Johanna, and her deerfox Twig as they moved from the wilderness to the city of Trolberg. The show earned significant praise for its writing and vocal performances, including a standout turn by Bella Ramsey as the title character. Critics lauded the series for balancing childlike wonder with complex themes, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding the first season a 100% fresh rating. Beyond the screen, the franchise expanded into a mobile game and a 2021 feature film, Hilda and the Mountain King, cementing its status as a modern animation landmark.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Hilda (TV series)
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