Tim Doecke, Acting Content Manager
CV Global
Storytelling is at the heart of what we do here at Jumbla. So, to be briefed to “reflect the nostalgia and feel-good atmosphere of the Christmas season” in a three-minute video, was music to our ears.
Our client didn’t want a traditional Christmas story. They wanted a prodigal son, coming home, story. One about making peace – reconciliation. A very Christian message delivered in a subtle, understated way. Classic, emotional, without being sentimental or cheesy.
We decided to keep the animation style simple.
There was to be no VO – the pictures had to bring the viewer in and involve them in the story.
While the storyline was pretty well plotted from the outset (although the violin in our proposal did evolve into a guitar) this was one of those jobs where the client was actively involved throughout. Loads of phone calls and chats. It certainly became one of our “passion” jobs.
“We wanted to keep it simple. It’s more of an illustrative piece than a full-blown animation,” said Jumbla Executive Creative Director Callan Woolcock, who was lead animator on the project.
“We focussed a bit more on the characters, the storytelling and the drawing.”
The “feel” was of the utmost importance for this Christmas online video.
It could have been so easy to slip into saccharine sweetness. We concentrated on getting the illustrative style right.
Technically, it’s a simple After Effects 2D animation. And the soundtrack by Jumbla Studio’s Sean Crowley played a big part in holding it all together.