BBC ANIMATION: WORLD WITHOUT HUMANS

A thought provoking animated film watched by millions

Client: BBC Ideas

Brief: 4 minute animated film illustrating what could happen if humans suddenly disappeared.

Tandem process: Researched with expert consultant, wrote script, recorded audio narration, created storyboard, produced 3D animated sequences, added sound effects and commissioned music.

Project

BBC Ideas is a short form factual video platform with the strapline 'short films for curious minds'. The films are designed to be thought-provoking and aim to challenge and inform the audience, while presenting ideas in a digital-friendly and engaging way. 

Tandem pitched the idea of a film that portrayed what might happen to our world if humans suddenly disappeared. 

We researched the subject and successfully pitched to the BBC Ideas commissioning team. More research followed, with advice and fact checking by an expert consultant from the Open University. 

We wrote the script and recorded it with a voiceover artist. 

The 3D animation team created a storyboard, out of which the 3D animated sequences were developed. After several rounds of changes, the film was completed on time. 

Sound FX, specially commissioned music and subtitles were added and the video was delivered in several different formats as requested by the commissioners.

Since its release World Without Humans has enjoyed huge engagement on social platforms with well over 7 million views to date.

"It's a lovely watch. Great visuals and fantastic sound/music and narration. Well done….we absolutely loved this piece! Such a good subject for BBC Ideas, and you did it so, so well. Very impressed by the animation."

Sam White & Cordelia Hebblethwaite

Commissioning editors, BBC Ideas