Bringing People Together
Animation, Storytelling
Duration
1 Week
Type
Solo Project
Tools
the BRIEF
I wanted to practice my animation skills and learn how to use Adobe After Effects, so I challenged myself to create a 30-second animation. But I also wanted it to have a purpose. Taking inspiration from my Greek culture, I created a short commercial for the best-selling cultured snack: Chobani Greek Yogurt.
the INSPIRATION
This project came from a very personal place. My animation was inspired by my parents and immigrants like them, who left behind everything but their traditions, found friends who became family, and rebuilt their communities across oceans.
The music and movement of the animation come from traditional Greek folk dancing. Folk dancing has been a tradition in Greece since ancient times. There are over 10,000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. The Greeks danced at religious festivals; to prepare for war and to celebrate victories; they danced at weddings; to overcome depression and to cure physical illness. Almost every dance has a story to tell.
The tradition of folk dancing is as alive today as it was in ancient times, reaching every corner of the globe, with over 5 million people of Greek origin living in 140 countries. For the Greek people, folk dancing is about more than just entertainment – it is a deep and significant part of the culture. I started learning these dances as soon as I could walk, performed with groups as a teenager, and continue to Greek dance at special events like weddings.
I thought the perfect product to use this inspiration for as a commercial would be a Greek yogurt, brand because it’s another (and more popular) component of Greek culture that has gone international. Though it wasn’t the brand my family grew up with (I’m a FAGE girl through and through), Chobani has become the best-selling yogurt brand in the United States. Chobani’s values also aligned perfectly with my inspiration for this animation, as 30% of their workforce is made up of immigrants and refugees.
the OUTCOME
The beginning of the animation starts with a single dot, representing a lone person in a new environment. The colors are dark and gloomy to match the mood. As more people join, the music picks up and the colors get brighter to represent the joy in community. The motion of the dots is inspired by the circular movement of traditional Greek dancing. The end features the product, Chobani Greek Yogurt, with the phrase “Bringing People Together, One Spoonful at a Time” to bring the message home.