Richard Branson Travels from New York to the Isles of Scilly in Third Animated Short

Audiences are taken back to 1985, when Richard Branson and his team embark on the toughest challenge on the Seven Seas; crossing the Atlantic Ocean by boat to reach land, in less than three days, ten hours and forty minutes. 

Paper Sky Films teamed up with Virgin in 2021 to create twelve animated short films, each telling individual stories following Richard Branson’s adventures.

The third instalment of Richard Branson’s ‘Adventure Series’, produced by Paper Sky Films, went live this week, titled: “The Blue Riband.” 

Aptly released on Valentine’s Day, the story tells of Branson’s challenge to journey from New York to the Isles of Scilly, in an attempt to not only break the record and win back the the Blue Riband trophy for the Brits, but to also make it back to his pregnant wife, Joan Branson, in time for the birth of his son.  

“We wanted this animation to have high energy,” says producer and director Adam Young. 

“Knowing that Richard and his team were travelling at record-breaking speed across the turbulent waters of the Atlantic, we channelled a lot of ‘Top Gear’ inspired music and visuals, all developed with an 80’s aesthetic to fit with the time period.” 

Much last week’s adventure, Branson’s endeavour to claim the Blue Riband wasn’t a success, after the vessel was struck by storm that severely damaged the hull causing the Challenger to take on water. 

“Our boat, the Virgin Atlantic Challenger, began sinking and we had to quickly abandon ship,” Branson writes on his blog, where the animations are being featured.

“Virgin asked if we could find a way to feature one of their iconic photographs of the Challenger sinking into the water,” says Young. 

“So the animated sequence of the boat’s nose pointing upwards, as the ocean slowly swallows up the vessel, was designed around that image.” 

“Thankfully, we were rescued to safety and I raced off to be with my family,” Branson writes. 

“As I held Sam for the first time – still soaking wet in my sailing clothes – I knew I was embarking on one of the greatest adventures of all.”

Despite the failure, Branson made the attempt once more the following year and beat the Atlantic speed record two hours faster than the previous record-holder, the SS United States, which had held the title since 1952.

Not one to shy away from his own mishaps and setbacks throughout his life and career, Richard Branson is renowned for his optimism and outlook towards failures, owning them completely and regarding them as lessons and experiences that build one’s character, endurance and strength for other challenges ahead. 

“I hope you enjoy and get out there to try something new!” said Richard Branson. 

The next Paper Sky Films-produced animated short film for Richard Branson will be released on Monday, 21st of February.