Hotspring’s Roto & Tracking Brings to Life Roald Dahl’s Universe in Sainsbury’s 2024 Christmas Ad

Hotspring had the pleasure of lending its roto and tracking expertise to this year’s enchanting Sainsbury’s Christmas advert, partnering with Electric Theatre Collective (ETC) to bring the beloved BFG from Roald Dahl‘s universe back to our screens. Hotspring contributed 100 roto and tracking tasks across this project.

In this festive adventure, Sainsbury’s presents a heartwarming journey where dreams and holiday feasts come together. The story follows the iconic BFG, voiced by Stephen Fry, alongside Sainsbury’s store colleague Sophie (played by a real Sainsbury’s employee) as they explore a whimsical world of holiday dishes. Together, they create a memorable Christmas menu, culminating in a feast that brings joy to all ages.

From crafting “snozzcumbers” to selecting delicious ingredients for a spread of Taste the Difference dishes—salmon, stilton, and a Golden Forest dessert—the advert brings holiday magic to life with top-tier VFX and a festive storyline that captures the spirit of the season.

This delightful campaign, full of holiday cheer and nostalgic charm, is the first of the major retailer ads to launch this season and is set to capture hearts with its warmth, humour, and a dash of festive fantasy.

Credits:

Production Company: Rogue
Director: Sam Brown
Producer: Polly Ruskin
Executive Producer: Kate Taylor
Director of Photography: Franz Lustig
Production Designer: Drogo Michie

Agency: New Commercial Arts
Creative Directors: Ian Heartfield, Dan Bailey & Brad Woolf
Partner, CPO & Lead Producer: Matt Craigie Atherton
Senior Producer: Lucie Georgeson

Post Production: Electric Theatre Collective
Colour: Luke Morrison
Creative Directors: Michael Chapman & Simon French
VFX Supervisor: Simon French
2D Supervisor: Iain Murray
CG Supervisor: Patrick Krafft
Animation Supervisor: Fabrice Fiteni
Executive Producer: Magda Krimitsou
Production Coordinator: Emily Coyne

Music Production: Manderley Music
Composer: Alex Baranowski
Producer: Sean Craigie-Atherton