Kong Picks up Four Awards at the Start of 2021

While 2020 threw all kinds of challenges and obstacles our way, Kong Studio continued to knuckle down remotely and focus on developing the styles the studio will be known for. Building new client relationships and developing new talent, the studio’s hard work has been recognised with four awards for some of its milestone work from 2020 and 2019.

​IMAX : Star Wars – Solo, awarded Platinum at AVA Digital Awards

Ahead of the film’s cinema release, IMAX commissioned Kong to produce an animation showing how different generations have experienced the Star Wars through the decades. Used on IMAX social media channels and published on YouTube, the spot has been viewed over 250,000 times.

​The Tote – Pool Betting Explained, was recognised with Gold at AVA Digital Awards

As part of the company’s brand refresh, the Tote set Kong the challenge of creating a video to explain how pool betting works, what makes it unique to both betting regulars and newcomers. 

Creative director on the project, Bill Elliott, said: “The challenge of this project was taking a complex message and make it accessible and interesting, in just over a minute of animation! The Tote’s marketing team developed the script with real clarity, and whilst we had to adhere to the newly developed Tote brand guidelines, we were given the freedom to develop our own playful spin on the design. This created a smooth production process resulting in a clear message for the Tote, an inventive new illustration look for both the Tote and Kong, and a beautiful piece of creative to end our year!”

“Kong Studios did a superb job." added Rob Painter, chief marketing officer, The Tote. "They translated a new brand identity into a very distinctive, ownable illustration style with a brilliant piece of animation work. They were also super easy and highly professional to deal with.”

​IMAX : Star Wars – Rise of Skywalker, was also awarded a Vega Centauri Award

The spot focuses on the fear of missing out (#FOMO) when long awaited tickets are released. The piece needed to be suitably epic to match the Stars Wars: The Rise of Skywalker film itself. With The Rise of Skywalker being the final chapter of a blockbuster saga that spans generations – this is seen as a cultural phenomenon of 2019 and the culmination of Star Wars films 42 years in the making. 

“I am thrilled with the final piece." commented Bill Elliott, co-founder, Kong. "It is another striking piece of traditional animation from Kong, whilst offering a new and unique style to the studio’s portfolio. It’s also another exciting collaboration with IMAX on a global franchise. More importantly, we got to draw a X-wing.”

​BBC Ideas – '3 Tips on how to be more resilient', picked up a Vega Centauri Award

Kong’s recent collaboration with BBC Ideas and Open University brings to life three invaluable tips on how to be more resilient in everyday life, by illustrating an interview with leading resilience expert, Dr. Lucy Hone.

This is the first collaboration between Kong Studio and illustrator Sharon Liu. Produced remotely over lockdown, it was a fast and efficient turnaround. Sharon’s illustrations were brought to life using a mix of TV Paint, Adobe Animate and After Effects.