McDonald’s mischievous global mascots, the Happys, are introduced to the U.K. in this campaign from animation studio Hornet and agency Leo Burnett London.
In this particular spot, the Happys try to corral a runaway cantaloupe which ultimately breaks into bite-size slices, making for a healthy part of McDonald’s Happy Meal.
Hornet director Peter Sluszka, known for his seamless blend of techniques, art direction and mixed media work, helped craft the overall campaign’s message through storytelling and keen sense of design by pulling out his CG toolkit and flexing some animation muscle.
“Stylistically, these spots are a departure from previous in-camera and fabrication based projects,” noted Sluszka. “It was exciting for us to develop these new worlds for the Happys, bring them to life and tell their story on the screen.”
Hornet’s extensive CG pipeline allowed the 3D team to create highly specific functions and custom rigs for the Happys’ incremental movements and responses. This acute level of technical precision gave room for the characters to deliver very real and relatable qualities, resulting in moments where the heroes simply look and think as well as just enjoy each other’s company. The talents of the animators, coupled with some well-timed slapstick and dramatic expression, came together to bring levity to the campaign while staying true to McDonald’s message.
