This heartfelt 2D animation project was created in collaboration with industry experts Fullcomms and delivered for Moat Homes, a prominent housing association based in the South East of England. Designed to capture the warmth, sentimentality, and festive joy of the holiday season, the animations focus on Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations within a relatable and inclusive family setting. The goal was to produce a series of films that would not only engage residents and stakeholders but also reflect the community spirit and values that underpin Moat Homes as an organisation.
At the core of the animation is a simple yet powerful narrative device, a voice message from a parent to their daughter, which drives the emotional arc of the story. This creative choice brings a personal, nostalgic tone to the piece, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own family traditions and the importance of togetherness during the festive season. The message unfolds naturally, guiding the animation through scenes of holiday rituals, laughter, and quiet moments that many families can relate to.
To bring this story to life, we worked from character designs provided by the client, developing them further to ensure they could support a wide range of expressive motion and interaction. These characters formed the visual anchor of the animation and helped establish a consistent, appealing style that resonated with the target audience. We ensured that every element, from facial expressions to environmental details, worked in harmony to create an authentic and visually rich experience.
Consistency was a major priority throughout the production. We took great care to make the animation feel like a single, cohesive piece, rather than a collection of disparate scenes. To achieve this, we employed a number of advanced animation techniques, including:
Kinetic typography to visually reinforce the spoken words and emphasize emotional beats in the dialogue.
Dynamic, integrated transitions that allowed scenes to flow seamlessly into one another, maintaining visual momentum while reinforcing narrative continuity.
Custom sound design that elevated the entire experience, aligning perfectly with the tone of the voice message and the pacing of the visuals.
This layered approach helped immerse the viewer in the story, making the animation not just a festive greeting but a touching, memorable narrative that reflected the human side of Moat Homes’ work. The sound design was particularly impactful, subtly enhancing the mood while never distracting from the dialogue. Ambient sounds, subtle music cues, and carefully placed audio transitions added emotional depth and texture, further anchoring the viewer in the world of the animation.
The finished films were used across Moat Homes’ digital platforms, including social media and internal communications, providing an engaging way to connect with both residents and staff. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the animation’s emotional resonance, high-quality production, and relatable storytelling.
This project stands as a prime example of how animated content, when crafted with care, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the target audience, can become a powerful tool for brand storytelling, especially during moments of shared cultural significance like the holidays.
In summary, our work with Fullcomms and Moat Homes demonstrates our strengths in:
2D animation production across Hampshire and the UK
Seasonal and holiday-themed storytelling
Character development and visual continuity
Kinetic typography and dynamic transitions
Custom sound design and audio synchronisation
Collaborative creative direction with partner agencies
By blending heartfelt storytelling with creative design and technical precision, we produced an animation that not only celebrated the festive season but also reinforced a sense of connection, community and home, values that lie at the heart of Moat Homes’ mission from our office in Southampton, Hampshire.
For more insight into our other various 2D animations visit our portfolio.