KLAUS | Deleted Sequences: The Other Jesper 

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.

It is clear that it would take more time to show this story, but this Jasper is very interesting!

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!

wish that cat gag somehow made it in, because it's perfectly Jesper & hilarious

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!

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!

I hope you're able to get a character as bitter as the other Jesper to work in another story eventually

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.

Jesper starting as a poor chimney sweeper would actually have been so fitting and good

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 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!!

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

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 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.

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 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

For some reason I think this version of Jesper is more appealing and original

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.

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.

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.

I really like this idea more than the actual one in the film. This one: - has a backstory why Jesper looks the way he looks; - you telling me the guy who never suffered from hunger in his life will look like a scarecrow? - shows if you think life can't possibly go worse it can't go worse if you don't do anything about it; - and this character COULD ACTUALLY LEARN THE LESSON better. Compare: 1. The guy who lived through life there is no one ever was nice and kind to him learns the lesson about altruism because it's the right thing to do. This much more powerful message because he will have to break through this cycle of "people were mean to me all my life so therefore I can be mean to others too". 2. The guy who lived through life there he never was in need learns the lesson about altruism because he WANTS to come back to life in luxury. This also features a dumb lier reveal trope there the rich guy tricks everyone into doing things he needs them to do, so he could benefit from it, but it's alright because he learns the lesson.

“Finding the story is a long process.” Preaching to the choir. Good art can never be rushed.

You know it’s a good movie when even the deleted scenes are fun to watch.

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.

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.

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 is the best movie I’ve seen in a while

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.

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

Absolutely Love the Scene with the Cat and the bird...good one

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.

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.

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.

Still such a fun version of Jasper! I really appreciate that the team shared this story development :)

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 guys life sucks so bad” Sergio Pablos~

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.

I believe this one is definitely better not to mention the opening and all as mentioned by the creators but also the fact that a rich brat who enjoyed luxury all his life finally ends up in a simple life is ok but a guy who suffered from poverty all his life finally when gets a chance to get his well deserved luxurious life refuses it for the smiles of others is just amazing!!

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 =)

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

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.

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.

I would give anything to work alongside this man, Sergio Pablos.

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.

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!

They changes the story completely! even though its really worthwhile in the end it's such a brave decision to change the whole concept

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!

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 hope to see many more animated movies from you guys! Your visual storytelling and gags are the best! :)

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!!!

Okay but imagine this version of Jasper in a story where HE is the one that becomes Santa Claus?

That such an interesting option. I love those boards 💙. They are so beautiful to watch.

The save the cat! scene is SO FUNNY... I feel sad it didn't make it to the final movie...

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

It's a really good thing they changed it because the story became very unique and special.

I like Both versions, but I get why they decided to change it. Too bad for that cat joke though XD

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 like this version MORE!

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.

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

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?

Happy late Christmas to Klaus, Netflix animation

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.

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

As interesting and fun this idea seems, I think you guys made the right choice in the end. Klaus came out beautiful!

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.

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?

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

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

Thank you for sharing more Klaus!

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!

This was very interesting. I love seeing behind the scenes of this movie. It’s just great.

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

They should make films set in this world and explore other characters like this guy.

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.

Thank you for sharing this. So important lessons for all aspiring directors!

I actually like this version quite a bit, I still feel like they did the right desicion though

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!

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

This move was so much better then Frozen 2, it was a great telling of the start of Santa Clause.

I think this is better

I wanted to see this version of Klaus, it seems cool

I'm a chimney sweep and my dad a postman. I can definitely tell what's the worse job today.

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 don't know, I like this a whole lot better.

aaaa perfect content. I love these behind the scenes / possible ideas videos!

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.

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.

I feel bad for laughing at the cat joke XD.

Baya , que el concepto general de jesper y la película en su tuvieron un cambio muy drástico

This feels like it could be used for a different movie intro..maybe with a few changes but still quite an interesting start.

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.

Thank you for sharing it!

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

This is very good, i think u should try and make a whole other movie about this concept, what i love about Klaus is that almost everything in it is new and hasnt really been done before, theres a resone why its my fav movie

The postmaster general and assistant were so interesting looking