Eric Hill Interview 2007

In 2007 Eric Hill OBE celebrated his 80th birthday. Watch the interview Eric gave to mark the occasion and hear the story of how he created Spot and his character's enduring popularity. Spot appeared in his first story, 'Where's Spot?' in 1980 and quickly became one of the best-loved pre-school characters of all time. Today Spot's adventures remain incredibly popular and are enjoyed around the world by millions of fans including celebrities such as Jude Law, Melanie Sykes and Gail Porter! Eric's career as an illustrator began at the age of 16 when he joined an art studio as a messenger. He was encouraged to draw cartoons in his spare time and particularly enjoyed drawing aircraft. It was the markings of planes that later came to influence the design of Spot, reflected in the spots on his body and the tip of his tail. A variety of illustration and design appointments followed before Eric decided to become a freelance illustrator and gradually returned to being an artist. In 1976 Eric's son Christopher was born; by the time he was two Eric was making up stories about the adventures of a small puppy to read to him at bedtime and Spot was born! The design of the books was inspired by an advertising flyer Eric had devised involving a flap covering an amusing picture. When Eric showed this to Christopher he saw how responsive he was to the idea and incorporated it into his book. Although initially created just as a story to please his son, Where's Spot? was actually published as a children's book in 1980 and started a new publishing concept of 'interactive books for babies'. The innovative lift-the-flap concept, combined with the simple story and quirky, charming illustrations, helped Where's Spot? become an instant hit with young children and within weeks it was at the top of the UK best-seller list. With Spot book sales reaching 50 million worldwide and his stories now translated into 60 languages, he really is a publishing phenomenon. Spot expanded from the original lift-the-flap books to interactive storybooks, sound books and audio books. There are currently eight series of Spot animation available on DVD and these have been broadcast and sold on video and DVD all over the world. Spot's first fans, who are now having families of their own, can enjoy Spot with their children, confirming his place as a modern classic. As well as his son Christopher, Eric also has a daughter, Jane, who works very closely with her father on many Spot projects. Eric and his wife Gillian divide their time between California and France and have a collection of pets who continue to provide inspiration for the Spot stories. www.funwithspot.com