This light-hearted Thatchers Cider commercial uses stop motion animation from the Oscar-winning Aardman studio to bring viewers through the gates of Thatchers’ own Myrtle Farm home in Somerset, U.K.
Aardman deployed its world-class skills in perfectly crafted hand-made miniature worlds to bring Thatchers’ cider-making expertise–yielding pint-sized perfection–to the screen. Iconic elements of Myrtle Farm such as its orchards help tell the story of carefully crafting the perfect drop of cider. Some familiar faces make an appearance throughout the commercial, including fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher making a big entrance for the weekly tasting. Viewers may also recognize the iconic Thatchers hot air balloon from previous ads, as well as Myrtle, the family dog.
Conceptualized by creative communications agency Bray Leino, the spot was directed by Aardman’s Will Studd.
A team of 40 creatives at Aardman were involved in the film, with animators alone needing over 480 hours to shoot the 40-second commercial.
Credits
Client Thatchers Cider Agency Bray Leino Production Aardman Will Studd, director; Danny Gallagher, producer; Chelsea Galloway, production coordinator; Alex Mill, floor manager; Jim Grant, Anh Cao, environment designers; Barry Reynolds, story artist; Chris Entwhistle, Diane Holness, Ellie Hugill, sr. modelmakers; Michelle Cranwell, Sarah Brydon, Noah Griffiths, modelmakers; Ana Taylor, trainee modelmaker; Vicky, Emily N, sr. costume makers; Sam Morris, DP; Adam Cook, camera assistant and moco; Nathan Ford, Nathan Sale, spark; Ellen Lynch, rigger; Tim Allen, Danial K, sr. animators; Grant Holden, jr. animator; Bram Twtheam, VFX supervisor & color grade; Chris Hawkes, comp supervisor; David Klein, lighting supervisor; Dan Gerhart, CG facial animation; Helena, 3D head sculps; Nathan Guttridge, 3D char rigging; Conrad Moody, CG lighting; James Grant, digital matte painting; Jordanne Richards, Bijun Zhuge, Isabel Howlett, compositors; Dan Williamson, offline editor; William Davies, sound design/track lay and final mix. (Toolbox: Photoshop, Dragonframe, Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Adobe Premiere, Resolve, Pro Tools) Art Dept. Set builds x6 sets and all Bespoke props, Inc. Balloon; Rajesh Westerberg, art director; Katie Louise, Dave Hayworth, set dressers; Lucy Beckett, props maker; Tom Sewell, construction; Georgie Ball, Jonathan Thrower, Gary Losh, Becky Weston, dressers.
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
