Today saw the release of A Whale’s Tale, a beautiful animation made for the wonderful Hope Works project. Hope Works have been working in conjunction with Unicef and the world’s biggest broadcasters to produce a series of films designed to bolster hope amongst our children, who are exposed to increasingly challenging topics via media, from war to natural disaster. The films launched simultaneously on networks around the world for World Children’s Day.

Twelve films were produced in total, directed by broadcasting giants including Cartoon Network UK, Disney EMEA, DreamWorks Animation and more, for maximum global reach. They vary in style, from live action to animation, from silly to serious, but all communicate a positive and uplifting message.

We successfully pitched to Cartoon Network UK for A Whale’s Tale, tackling the subject of marine pollution. Luck was on our side as director’s Giovanna Utichi and Robin Celebi referenced the artwork style of Via, our latest in-house short directed by concept artist Izzy Burton. 

So Izzy got to work lovingly designing the Whale and fellow characters, and fortunately, the 2.5D style of animation seen in Via enables efficient production time - 2.5 minutes of animation in 2 months is no mean feat!

The animation has a retro, low poly appeal which softens the scene and gives the rough-edged characters immediate personality and charm. The scenes are rich and luscious, true to Izzy’s trademark style.

Credits​​​​​​​

Written and directed by Robin Celebi & Giovanna Utichi
Original story by Giovanna Utichi
Executive Producer Richard Kinning
Producer Emma Healing

Artwork & Direction: Izzy Burton
Creative Producer: Lizzie Hicks
Producer: Damian Hook
Modelling: Emilie Browne, Pietro Licini & Jacopo Piccini
Lighting & rendering: Holly Bensley
Rigging: Leo Blackmur & Vasil Shotarov
Compositing: Izzy Burton, Nicholas Canticus & Joe Kinch
Animation: Mark Spokes, Dane Winn & Dagmara Ziemianska
Story Consultant: Ben Steer

Sound Design: James Clark & Clearcut Sound
Music Composition: Will Featherby, Kamal Kamruddin, Ben McAvoy, Sam McAvoy, Pete Yelland-Brown & WMP
Voice Over Artist: Tim Dann
Music Supervisor: Joseph Cullen & Cavendish Music