AMV BBDO, London, turned out this long-form Xmas ad for grocery store chain Sainsbury’s which is a creative interpretation of Christmas Day 1914 when British and German World War I soldiers laid down their arms and came together on neutral territory to share greetings, treats, mementoes and even a game of football. Director Ringan Ledwidge of Rattling Stick worked closely with AMV BBDO, Sainsbury’s and The British Legion to make the portrayal of the battlefield truce as accurate as possible, basing it on original reports and letters, as well as working with historians throughout the development and production process.

The Mill’s 2D and matte painting team transported the cast back to snowy 1914 Germany by creating a series of matte paintings for the football match setting, before seamlessly comping the live action plates on top, to realistically re-create a chilling mid-winter view of No-Mans land.

Credits

Client Sainsbury’s Agency AMV BBDO, London Tim Riley, creative; Rebecca Scharf, producer. Production Rattling Stick Ringan Ledwidge, diector; Sally Humphries, exec producer; Alwin Kuchler, DP. Editorial Work Rich Orrick, editor. VFX/Post The Mill London Gemma Humphries, exec producer; Hitesh Patel, shoot supervisor; Barnsley, 2D lead artist; Joseph Tang, Gary Driver, Dan Adams, 2D artists; James Mulholland, 3D artist; Aurelien Ronceray, German Casado, matte painting; Clare Melia, assistant producer; Mick Vincent, DCP. Post Electric Theatre Collective (ETC) Aubrey Woodiwiss, colorist. Audio Post Wave Aaron Reynolds  Music Woodwork Music Licensed Music Carter Burwell

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