Hybrid production company Global Mechanic Media started the new year with some great new work for Bensimon Byrne and their client Scotia Bank. With a need to communicate a complex message that runs the risk of being pretty dry for the general public, the agency turned to Global Mechanic Media to engage and entertain. Global Mechanic marshaled resources from both its commercial and long format divisions to work with the agency team and craft a creative that both captivates and delights viewers. The final product was a series of illustrated stories using the playful intelligence of the ‘RSA style’ of animation. The final work educates the view about retirement options while also being fun to watch.
These beautiful engaging pieces of animation feature a live action hand drawing both type and illustrations in sync with the voiceover. As the picture, black marker on a white background with bold color highlights, is composed, the illustrations and extra bits of type expand as little animated moments on the voiceover content. This technique keeps the drawings alive and helps them remain captivating even when seen multiple times. The palette of the campaign works off of Scotia Bank’s existing identity: black and red over white. These spots are a joy to watch and the material is impactful and memorable.
Creative directed by Bruce Alcock with animation direction by Nathaniel Akin, the work was done by a production team of designers, compositors and animators in Global Mechanic Media‘s Vancouver studios. "We loved the concept from the moment we heard the agency explain their creative brief. Because it was a going to be longer than the traditional :30 spot, we knew that no matter how interesting the animation was, the need to tell a story well was key to keeping the viewer engaged to the end. It was a production that was an interesting design to me, and with both commercial and series animators working hand and hand, it turned out fantastic."
Your 5 Year Plan (credits below)
The final work can be seen as part of the on-line campaign at Let the Saving Begin or as standalone animation at Scotia Bank 5-Year Plan.
Recent work for Global Mechanic Media includes: television spots for Nestle and Delissio Pizza and BC Hydro. "Drawings" an award winning PSA for Stand: raising awareness for the war in Darfur; "Bust it or Believe" it first online YouTube campaign with Leo Burnett for Silk Soy Milk; Season 5 for the Emmy Award winning PBS TV show FETCH with Ruff Ruffman. Bruce Alcock’s short film Vive La Rose was recently in competition at the Sundance Film Festival and was named one of the top ten films at Toronto International Film Festival. In addition, Bruce Alcock’s has just begun pre production on his most recent film Impromptu co-produced with the NFB.
Credits
Client Scotia Bank
Title Your 5-Year Plan
Agency Bensimon Byrne
Robyn Smale – producer
Andrew Kontra – creative director
Greg Shortall – senior digital copywriter
Production Company Global Mechanic Media
Global Mechanic Creative Director – Bruce Alcock
Global Mechanic Animation Director – Nathaniel Akin
Global Mechanic Executive Producer – Tina Ouellette
Global Mechanic Producer – Betty Wharton
About Global Mechanic Media
Global Mechanic Media (www.globalmechanic.com) is a boutique trans-media production company with years of experience and considerable expertise in all aspects of advertising & marketing, entertainment, communication and problem solving. We operate as an integrated studio dedicated to creating content in any medium and are built as a digital laboratory working to formulate effective communications and solutions that are intriguing and create demand. We are creative thinkers who work in all mediums to make interesting media and are masters at telling stories and solving visual problems.
Our expertise at the intersection of marketing and entertainment inspires us to think beyond the limits of the page, the site, the banner and the URL. Regardless of format, we design rich user experiences that create value for the brand and it is our deep knowledge of user experience that ultimately informs the nature of all of our creative.
Founded in 2000 by animation veteran Bruce Alcock, Global Mechanic Media (www.globalmechanic.com) has produced commercials, TV shows, websites, films, games, installations, interactive experiences, print, package design and original photography. Based in Vancouver, Canada, our premier facility is world class and staffed with the best creative staff and all the coolest gear imaginable. Clients include Bell, Coca-cola, Nestlé, BMW, Unilever, Hershey and Kraft, for agencies including Grey, Leo Burnett, Ogilvy and BBDO. We have worked with broadcasters including PBS, Cartoon Network, and the CBC. In addition to commercial work, the studio is always collaborating with the theatre, dance, educators and architects. Film projects include award-winning shorts and features in all genres.
