Animation studio Aardman and environmental organization Greenpeace have launched a powerful new animated film highlighting the plight of the world’s oceans. Turtle Journey, directed by Aardman’s Gavin Strange, tells the heartbreaking story of a turtle family heading home through an ocean that is under increasing pressure from climate change, plastic pollution, oil drilling and overfishing.
Aardman uses its skills in storytelling, humor and creativity to communicate Greenpeace’s urgent message with a mix of CGI and stop-frame animation. Physical puppets were created to portray the turtle family, while the underwater environments are detailed in CGI.
Strange said, “I wanted to tell a personal yet universal story of family, loss and hope to best connect with audiences around the world. It was an absolute dream to work with such a talented crew of animators, artists and creators here at Aardman, manipulating clay and pixels to make such a nuanced and delicate piece of animation. Brought to life by a stellar cast of world-class voice talent, topped off by a simply sublime score from Arthur Jeffe’s Penguin Cafe.”
Characters in the film are voiced by Academy Award®-winning actors Olivia Colman and Dame Helen Mirren, along with Game of Thrones’ Bella Ramsey, Stranger Things’ David Harbour, Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter, and comedian Ahir Shah.
Credits
Client Greenpeace Production Aardman, Bristol, UK Gavin Strange, director; Emily Stone, production coordinator; Sam Morrison, writer; Maya Wilson, storyboard artist; Sylvia Bull, character design; Davide Mastrolonardo, environment & background design; Thomas Sewell, set dresser; Chris Entwistle Tandie Langton Bronwen Salter George Watson, modelmakers; Simon Jacobs, DP; Alison Evans, Gareth Love Lee Wilton, Inez Woldman, animators; Louis Mcnamara, assistant animator; Damien Gray Guy, Holme Nat Sale, electricians; Sam Holland, rigger; Erica Powenall, Adam Cook, camera assistants; Sami Goddard, producer; Rich Spence, CG supervisor; Martin Blunden, Trine Sorensen Coolidge, Helen Duckworth, Nathan Guttridge, Ben Toogood, Chuen Tsang, Signe Tveitan, CG artists; Tessa Mapp, Luke Tickner, CG lighters; Joseph Thornley-Heard, FX artist; Owain Peake, additional FX; Rebecca Rose, previs artist; Marta Arisa Clotet, Eva Bennett, Dom Rayner, Mat Rees, CG animators; Fernando Lechuga, comp supervisor; Hugh Brazier, Paule Quinton, Spencer Cross, Jim Lewis, compositors; Bram Ttwheam, colorist; Dan Williamson, editor; Christopher Stock, Dopesheet editor; James Grant, Photoshop artist; Miles Cumpstey, sound recordist. Props Mangostone Ltd. Helen Javes (Toolbox: Maya, Arnold, Nuke, Houdini, DaVinci Resolve, Dragonframe, Photoshop, Procreate) Music Penguin Cafe Arthur Jeffes, composer. Sound Design/Mix Matt Loveridge, Will Davies. Voice artists Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, David Harbour, Giovanna Lancellotti, Calyssa Miller, Helen Mirren, Bella Ramsey, Ahir Shah, voice artists.
Peter Thwaites of The Corner Shop directed this film for healthcare company Abbott that shows what it’s really like to live with diabetes--including the constant judgment, shame and guilt.
The film is the cornerstone of Abbott’s new global initiative called “Above The Bias” out of agency VML Chicago, which is driving awareness about the health impact common misconceptions and bias about diabetes can have on people living with the condition.
Thwaites said, “What initially drew me to this project was the chance to create a visual metaphor for the weight of other people’s opinions--something we all carry, whether we realize it or not. The suit we built to physically weigh down our actor became more than just a prop; it shaped his performance, making the emotional burden feel tangible. Tonally, I wanted to ensure the message felt earned without becoming overly sentimental, allowing the actor to start from a grounded place and gradually reveal the impact of that weight.”
Healthcare company Abbott--known for its medical technology, nutritional products and pharmaceuticals--surveyed more than 2,600 people living with diabetes across eight countries, including the U.S., to help inform the campaign and bring to life the realities of living with the condition. Research found that nearly 70% believe there is stigma associated with their condition; almost 25% have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends out of embarrassment or concern; and 40% have skipped or missed a doctor’s appointment due to shame or stigma.
