Greengage
The University of Edinburgh
Education matters, and so does the right University
The University of Edinburgh chose Muckle Hen to create a film for their latest undergraduate recruitment drive. We came up with this beautiful two-minute animation, illustrating what the City and University have to offer in a fun and whimsical way. When it comes to communicating why a University is successful, the easier answer is statistics. But will you really remember them?
This was our challenge. To show off the accomplishment of one of Scotland’s oldest institutions in a new, fun, and engaging way. Using a soft palette for the environment really makes the character design stand out. Add a little humour, and we’ve got a bona fide hit.
Created as a video-for-web (before it was popular!) this animation was so successful that Edinburgh University came back for more.
Silver Award Winner for ‘Best Animation’ at the Roses Creative Awards 2013
Galaxy on Glass
A glimpse into the cosmos with Astrophotographer Chris Baker
As an astrophotrgrapher, Chris Baker combines equal measures of science and creativity, to create the perfect cocktail of galactic art. In this short video, Muckle Hen travelled to Nerpio, Spain to capture Chris at work. What we discovered was an intricate, handcrafted approach, not dissimilar to filmmaking itself.
Directed by: Martin Burt
Produced by: Jack Gemmell
Special Thanks: Astrocamp Nerpio
Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission plays a vital part in our agricultural and tourism sectors. As well as a key contributor to the Scottish Economy, they contribute over £954 million each year and supporting 25867 jobs in Scotland, the Forestry Commission is an integral part of Scottish society – for everyone.
Tasked with presenting the sheer reach and breadth of the sector, it was always going to be tricky. We thus decided to focus on the dynamism of Forestry in Scotland, and prove it isn’t all just about trees. Using an earthy palette, animators Alex and Oana Nechifor created a beautiful 2D animation showcasing varying aspects of the Commission. Although the environment played a key role in our animation, it is the relationship between the characters and the environment that stands out. Using a mixture of recreational and commercial activities we wanted to communicate the idea that we are all intrinsically interlinked to the industry.
To this date, this is one of our favourite projects. Everyone at Muckle Hen has a deep appreciation of our environment, and not just because Planet Earth is astounding. It’s crazy to think that at the turn of the 20th century forest made up a mere 5% of Scotland. Now compare this to the 25% it now covers in 2016. How can you argue the Forestry Commission aren’t the definition of a success story?
BT Smartnumbers
Communications experts Resilient, wanted an animated approach to explain their product simply and clearly. Using their ‘two numbers, one phone’ approach, Smartnumbers aim was to bridge the gap between personal and professional connectivity.
Hannah Robinson devised and scripted this upbeat animation, working with Garry Marshall who designed and animated ‘Cartoon Modern’ characters and their office challenges, set to an uplifting score by composer Chris Bradley. The choice to go for a retro influenced design created a unique animation that not only addressed the simplicity of using Smartnumbers in everyday life, but also made the look of the film timeless.
Resilient loved it so much they based their entire brand and marketing campaign on this style. What started as a single film soon became an integral part of Smartnumbers.
ICAS
ICAS is the oldest accountancy institute in the world with over 20,000 world-class business men and women who work in the UK and in more than 100 countries around the world. Being a member of ICAS is like wearing a badge of honour.
Muckle Hen was tasked to create film showcasing ICAS as a global entity bursting with innovation and diversity. We wanted to show that ICAS was fundamentally more than just an organisation but instead a powerful network of entrepreneurs and at the forefront of innovation and diversity. One of our main visual motifs was to show the global reach that ICAS possess which was shown through our multi-shoot of London, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Edinburgh. Coupled with the eclectic cast of current ICAS members, we wanted to highlight collaboration as a central ethos for their organisation.
We really wanted the audience to feel connected to the characters and by getting a sense of what’s going on behind their eyes. By conveying their passion, courage and humanity without them saying a word, our aim was to inspire and excite passion in comparison to a more academic approach. For them, ICAS works best at a human level.
Church of Scotland
Opening Doors, Not Building Walls
In the current political climate of division and dehumanisation, the Church of Scotland are campaigning for something different. A world of open doors, and open minds. So that’s why they reached out to us at Muckle Hen.
In communities up and down the country people are feeling the effects of isolation; especially those with disabilities. Churches can be an essential tool for reflection and meditation, but they also function as a space for coming together. But are these spaces doing enough to make this happen? That is what our animation attempts to change.
Our short animation aims to change the perception and stigma attached to disability, and encourage people to be more active in their parishes. By using bright, colourful shapes for our characters, we wanted to convey the notion that although people come in all shapes and sizes, we are all beautifully unique in our own way.
Director/Writer: Hannah Robinson
Animator: Oana Nechifor
