To mark this year’s National Anti-Bullying Week, Cartoon Network teamed up with Childline, the NSPCC’s leading UK helpline for children and young people, to launch an original series of animated shorts.
Each episode (which ranges from 5x 40” + 1x 30”) features 3D character animation (originally created in 2D) which were modelled, rigged and animated in 3D using Cinema4D, then composited onto live-action backplates in After Effects.
The characters are voiced by students of Barclay Primary School, London, and contain genuine, unscripted thoughts of sixth grade children who, in their own words, articulate positive messages around friendship and appreciating differences.
Turner Northern Europe, SVP and MD,Ian McDonough commented, “As the Childline reports show, bullying is a very real and, sadly, growing issue for children and young people today. Our Cartoon Network audience fall within the prime age group experiencing bullying and it is hugely important for us to address this in a way that is positive, supportive and relevant. This year’s series of bespoke “Be a Buddy” animations make use of real thoughts and commentary from kids, which we hope will be really powerful and engaging for their peers.”
The animations help to launch CN Buddy Network, a nationwide initiative which helps kids and young people take positive action against bullying and offers immediate access to professional advice, relevant tips and support tools online at Cartoon Network UK website under beabuddy.
The recordings for each animated character were captured after spending one school day with children, who were asked about their feelings on friendships and how they would avoid any of their fellow school friends feeling excluded. Over four hours of audio recordings and the most touching and thought-provoking sound-bites made the cut.