Description:

A grandmother sets out on a fantastical mission through a purple dreamscape, guided by mono-eyed creatures and donkey-birds. Her goal? To find a glowing gem, a gift that will spark her grandchild’s creativity.

Partnering with Colenso BBDO, we crafted the animated imagination burst at the heart of Spark’s Christmas TVC, while Supernormal worked their magic on the live action scenes.

The animated world is whimsical and richly detailed, drawn in Spark’s signature purple and alive with the playful logic of a young artist’s imagination. Christmas elements are tucked into the background, including baubles, trees, and festoon lights. All are part of a world that feels magical without leaning into cliché.

Our hero, a cat-like grandmother in a bomber jacket and white boots, is swift and confident. She’s designed less like a mascot and more like a comic book adventurer. Her scarf, patterned like Spark’s Christmas wrapping paper, becomes a visual thread through the film. It ties the real and fantastical together as she captures the glowing gem.

We brought this to life using traditional cel animation techniques, drawing every frame digitally by hand. The result is expressive and textured, a world full of stretch, wobble, and heart.

To continue the creative momentum beyond the screen, Spark launched the inaugural Christmas Art Competition. Tamariki aged 11 to 18 were invited to share their own art for display on national Christmas cards and digital billboards. With mentorship and creative tools on offer, it gave young artists across Aotearoa a platform to shine.

Together, the TVC and the competition celebrate imagination, craft, and the joy of helping someone discover what they’re capable of.