Visionality Readies ‘Bunny’ Animated Special for the Global Stage

Visionality, creator of the BAFTA- and Rose d’Or-nominated BooSnoo! series for Sky Kids, is launching its innovative,  atmospheric Christmas family film Bunny at MIPJunior/MIPCOM.

Aimed at audiences of all ages, the 30-minute mixed media film (live action with 3D CG and 2D animation) is a journey through the beautiful British countryside on a clear, crisp Christmas Eve. It follows the adventures of the beloved toy Bunny of a young deaf girl, who returns home from a raucous shopping trip and is being ignored by her hearing (and very noisy) family.

When her toy is dropped getting out of the car, it seems like another disaster for the girl. But then, in the quiet solitude of the driveway, the toy Bunny comes to life. It takes some time out to explore the peaceful environment. Bunny doesn’t go far, and as it relaxes into its surroundings, it finds itself immersed in a series of increasingly joyful, sensory moments that blend fantasy and reality and lead her from family chaos to festive fun. Just as Bunny returns home, we get a whole new perspective with a final reveal that the little girl (who felt invisible in her family) has been with us on the journey the whole time.

Visionality explains that throughout this imaginative fantasy, viewers will be able to see the sounds and hear the uplifting orchestral Christmas music as it merges with the mixed-media visuals, allowing children of whatever hearing ability to enjoy the experience. Using minimal words with immersive sounds and visualized foley, the film is deaf and sensory focused, but is accessible for all viewers.

“What started as an idea a few years ago has developed into a film that we genuinely believe can become an annual family favorite and Christmas Eve viewing tradition,” said Julian Bashford, who created the new special. “We are excited to introduce Bunny to broadcasters at MIPJunior and MIPCOM for commission or pre-buy.”

Bashford’s experience working on BooSnoo! has strengthened his expertise and enthusiasm for word-free storytelling based on visuals, sound and music. In particular, he is excited that, like BooSnoo!, the film provides space for the young viewers to share their observations with their co-viewing family members, without being bombarded with complex narrative, words, noises or songs with lyrics.

Bunny is created by Bashford and produced by Ceri Barnes (Floogals).The screenplay, puppeteering, models and 3D and 2D animation together with the disability advisory experts all comes from leading U.K. talent.