The appeal to Wawa’s Hoagiefest animated spots is instantly noticeable: style!
The Richard’s Group uses a fashionable 60’s Beatles look, right out of Yellow Submarine, and wonderful era music composed by Parry Gripp.
The animation is as lively and colorful as the music. The animation is simple to be sure. Naïve designs match perfectly the 60’s retro look; as does the limited animation techniques and simple motions. The production, however, adds a few twists and turns with a subtle use of 3D elements. In 2010, the entire roadway and environment (including Hoagieman himself) where given dimensionality and depth without every quite becoming “models.” In 2011, the Hoagie-blimp rotates with a graceful move as it shifts through the flatland clouds.
This year’s Wawa Hoagiefest website includes download material where visitors can create their own “Where’s Hoagieman” image and submit your groovy photo for a chance to win prizes. Previous years have include visitor songs and video contests.
Elias is an award winning filmmaker and animator from Richmond, VA specializing in cartoons and motion graphics for web and broadcast. He is a Managing Partner at Eastwood Media. If you need some help with Animation or Motion Graphics you can always find him on Twitter.
