Little Ant Heads on a Big Adventure in Art&Graft's 'Leafcutter' Short

Art&Graft were commissioned by McGarrah Jessee to design and develop a charming narrative film for Costa Sunglasses ‘See What’s Out There’ campaign.

The film tells the story of the leafcutter worker ant and his escape from the daily grind to heed the call of adventure and discover that there’s some pretty wonderful stuff in this world- and in himself.

Costa Del Mar’s brand ethos is rooted in their heritage as being born on the water; when in 1983, a group of hardcore fishermen who spent their days exploring the globe and battling extreme elements came to realise that the sunglasses they were relying on weren’t as hardcore as their adventures and decided to build their own. 

This warm and emotive film showcases Costa’s adventurous spirit and aims to build on the emotional connection between consumers and the brand. In turn also attracting a new audience to Costa’s premium and innovative products. 

Mike Moloney, Creative Director, Art&Graft says, “Tasked with bringing this timeless tale of adventure to life, we set out on our own journey too; creating a warm-hearted, cinematic film of the little Leafcutter. Throughout the process this always felt more like we were making a short film rather than a commercial; spending equal time on crafting the narrative storyline and rich, illustrative visual treatment as on the subtle 3D character animation of the finished film. Surely we all recognise a bit of ourselves in the Leafcutter’s quest for adventure. At times we follow the journey in microscopic detail, watching as huge raindrops crash all around, before viewing the same landscapes in glorious wide shots, utilising the full range of scale that animation affords.”

Utilising Art&Graft’s skilful blend of 3D techniques and textural, illustrative style; the viewer is immersed in a lush jungle landscape and the suspenseful emotion as we follow Leafy’s trials and tribulations on his daring journey.