IMDA’s TechSkills Accelerator
Blending live-action with animation, the four-part series showcases the transformative journey of individuals in the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) programme. They are transported into fantastical dimensions as they tackle real-world challenges and opportunities.
Branded Content
Infocomm Media Development Authority
2024
Millie | Racing towards a digital future
IBM | Pioneering Possibilities
Puishing | Journey to cloud computing
TEmus | Building a digital workforce
The Force Behind the Frames
Working together with the team from Little Red Ants, we sought to create a series that blends both live-action and 2D animation to tell empowering stories of four individuals who took up TeSA’s digital upskilling programmes to transform their careers.
The Power Of Animation
Animation complements the live-action storytelling by bringing past memories and future aspirations to life, using metaphors to give shape to abstract aspirations.
Designing the Story
Through storyboards, we flesh out the alternate dimensions and fantastical adventures that each profile undertakes. Each film features a different tech space, so we had to brainstorm different worlds and storytelling approaches to make each profile’s journey unique and distinctive.
Profiles in Motion
We had a unique challenge designing the characters inspired by real-life profiles, and bringing their personalities to the next level through reimagination within a stylised animation world to emphasise the impact on each profile’s journey.
Expression Sheets
Character Poses
Multiple Dimensions
Each story had its own unique world of possibilities. We explored the science and engineering that could shape the next era — from futuristic transportation to smart buildings and architecture. The result is a set of concepts grounded in physics and technology, showing how tomorrow might work, move, and be built. We found ways to weave brand storytelling seamlessly within the world design.
From Outlines to Output
Once the animatic is locked, we shift into high gear and start building bold, colour-charged styleframes that define the energy of the world, and establish the launch parameters for the final animation.
Digital Landscapes
Whether it is cycling on a digital race track, traversing the internal components of a CPU, or walking through a futuristic digital classroom, our designs made the journey of upskilling and transformation feel novel and exciting.
Transformative Animation
2D hand-drawn animation was perfect to convey the dramatic, transformative change each profile undergoes. Dynamic, rotating camera movements add to the energy of each shot so that the program’s impact is deeply felt.
The Finishing Touch
Compositing was a crucial step to make our animation feel high-tech and trail-blazing. It added energy and light pulsing through each scene.
Credits
Director: Jerrold Chong
Producer: Mark Wee
Line Producers: Celeste Tay, Kenneth Yoong
Storyboards: Khoo Siew May, Jolene Tan, Jeremy Teo, Joshua Pereira
Visual Development: Khoo Siew May, Mohammad Ubaidillah, Kezia Gabriella, Lim Kai Lee, Zechariah Teo, Criativos Studio
Animation: Khoo Siew May, Jay Septimo, Andre Quek, Rachael Lum, Tammy Leow, Mahmoud Fawzy, Criativos Studio
Breakdowns: Jane Lee, Benjamin Tan, Joshua Pereira, Lin Jie, Jerrold Chong
Colourists: Jessieca Junesha, Kayleigh Adrien, Hillary Soe Nuang, Kaylea Chua, Wang Xiruo
Compositors: Joshua Pereira, Jerrold Chong, Shara Tay, Wang Xiruo
Live-Action Production Partner: Little Red Ants Creative Studio Pte. Ltd.
Agency: MullenLowe Singapore Pte Ltd