News / Aardman
Aardman and Thatchers join forces for special collaboration
The sight of the yellow Thatchers hot air balloon floating above Bristol is a surefire sign that summer is on its way.
The Cameron Balloons-made balloon now plays a starring role in a new advert for Thatchers created by another of Bristol’s most famous exports, Aardman.
A television commercial due to be broadcast for the first time on Thursday evening brings the viewer through the gates of Thatchers’ own Myrtle Farm in Sandford, just 15 miles south west of Bristol.
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Thatchers staff including Martin and Eleanor Thatcher feature in the ad, which was conceptualised by Clifton-based creative communications agency Bray Leino, directed by Will Studd, and produced by Danny Gallagher.
The aim is to show the family cider maker’s dedication along every step of the way to achieve ‘Pint-Sized Perfection’.
A team of 40 creatives at Aardman were involved in the film, with animators alone needing more than 480 hours to shoot the 40-second commercial.
Martin Thatcher said that it has been “a real privilege to see how Aardman shares the same total commitment to painstaking perfection every step of the way, as we do at Thatchers”.
Studd added: “As a paid-up cider enthusiast, I am drinking in the opportunity to bring the Thatchers family, farm, dog, and selected staff members to life with detailed puppets and sets.
“Being able to collaborate with such a well-established South West brand on this project is an honour.”
From left to right, Danny Gallagher from Aardman, Eleanor Thatcher of Thatchers, Martin Thatcher of Thatchers, Will Studd from Aardman and Myrtle the dog – photo: Neil Phillips
Main image: Thatchers / Aardman
Read next:
- Star Wars short film made in Bristol by Aardman
- Anti-Colston campaigners call for boycotting of Thatchers cider
- In photos: Cameron Balloons factory
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