We Campaign Because They Can't for RSPB

For ‘We Campaign Because They Can’t’, we are proud to collaborate with B Corp-certified GOOD Agency to create a series of campaign videos featuring animals struggling to campaign for their environment.

The goal was to entertain the audience while also calling them to action on environmental issues. We optimised our workflow by designing everything to frame, creating fast 3D blockouts of the scenes followed by paintover designs that the CG team closely matched. 

We aimed for a tactile, miniature set aesthetic inspired by Wes Anderson, carrying it through to the cinematography.

Director Dane Winn adds, "Our goal was to create an emotional connection with the audience; making them laugh, reflect, and act. The charismatic characters we've introduced carry the weight of their message with a hopeful note, encouraging viewers to support the RSPB’s mission." 

The characters were designed for efficient modelling, rigging, and precise performance without overcomplicating the assets. This project marked our first use of Blender rigging by our in-house team as we continue integrating Blender into our pipeline.

We utilised various techniques to achieve specific effects. Blender's geometry nodes system created the grooming for furry elements. The plastic bag hitting the hedgehog combined a cloth simulation with shape keys for the comedic nose poke effect. Unable to simulate the rubbish falling timing perfectly, we keyframed each piece manually. The sewage splash involved a Blender liquid simulation with additional dripping geometry for the animation resolve.

Damian Hook, Head of Shortform & Advertising, reflects on the collaboration, "Embarking on this project with GOOD Agency was brilliant. It's rare to find another team whose values align so perfectly with ours, especially in the pursuit of crafting powerful messages for the greater good. The collaboration felt natural, culminating in a series of short films that we are immensely proud of." 

Grant Berry, Creative Director & Art Director said “The campaign had to have impact for good, bringing disruption to major companies who pollute or cause destruction to the natural environment.  We wanted to keep it lighthearted, simple with a single image from each scenario to conjure up the core message."

Director - Dane Winn
Art Director - Grant Berry
Production - Chantal Baldwin & Rachael Exton
CG Supervisor - Arthur Tibbett
Creative Directors - Grant Berry, Tom Box & Damian Hook
Head of Production - Lizzie Hicks
Storyboarding - Joe Kinch
Design - Grant Berry & Joe Kinch
Assets - Sophie Jameson, Lisa Mae Evans, Cassandra Haulot
Animation - Dane Winn, Sarah Tribe
Rigging - Leo Blackmur, Vasil Shotarov, Matt Jenkins, Ana Maria Savastre, Rhulani Rengane
Lighting & Compositing - Robin Danielsson, Jack McEntire

Sound Design: 750mph

GOOD Agency:
Executive Creative Director - Bryn Attewell
Copywriter - Pav Rao
Account Management - Eleanor Davies, Daniel Webb & Daisy Leeson