Every 48 seconds someone contacts a Red Cross office to find information about a missing relative, receive support or seek protection. The Norwegian Red Cross and agency Papaya asked Not To Scale New York and director Colin Hesterly to create a short animated film to raise awareness about the work the Red Cross and Red Crescent do, around the world, to reunite the thousands who become separated from their loved ones.

For this 2D animation piece titled “Restoring Family Links,” Hesterly deployed his signature graphic look with high contrast and big bold shapes. Stripping away any excess details, the film gives the viewer a more open sense of time and place, and allows audiences the opportunity to connect with the characters and their journey. Hesterly carefully created a tight range of desaturated colors that dovetail with the Red Cross logo. 

“This film is a beautiful showcase of all the hard work and resources the Red Cross and Red Crescent put into reconnecting families. Their immense dedication has helped countless people find loved ones in their darkest time of need. I want to thank them for their devotion and the opportunity to tell such a delicate story,” said Hesterly.

Credits

Client Norwegian Red Cross Agency Papaya, Oslo, Norway Christian K. Nordtømme producer. Production/Animation Not To Scale, New York Colin Hesterly, director; Eve Strickman, exec producer; Liz O’Connor, producer; Anne Calandre, animator. (Toolbox: Animate (Flash), After Effects) Audio David Kamp

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