We love this city, the Chicago Cubs and the winter holidays. So the chance to make an animated greeting card for the Cubs to send out was a big fat sugarplum of a treat for us.

Soaking the greeting with the sweetest holiday sentiment, we went iconic all the way, giving the piece a Rankin/Bass stop-action animation look charming enough to melt even the Winter Warlock’s heart.

Sparkly snow crystals shape the swirling, nostalgic type. Cute kids build snowmen. And with the magical spin of a ballpark turnstile, the snowmen transform into a cheerful, animated chorus line of Cubs: Jason Heyward, Billy Williams, Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks, and Jon Lester. Pitching and smashing snowballs, lining up, and swaying in front of a softly lit Wrigley Field at night, the players sing a fresh version of the Holiday Classic, “Oh Christmas Tree,” which we re-wrote as, “Oh Wrigley Field.” Using the voice talents of local singers coached to imitate the represented players, Groove Guild created the musical track.

Oh Wrigley Field, Oh Wrigley Field
Our love is elemental
Oh Wrigley Field, Oh Wrigley Field
You make me sentimental
For all the greats, we give our thanks
Fergie, Ryne, Santo and Banks
Oh Wrigley Field, Oh Wrigley Field
Create October magic.

Oh Wrigley Field, Oh Wrigley Field
I love your every brick
Oh Wrigley Field, Oh Wrigley Field
Summer’s coming, make it quick
I’d rather pitch instead of sing
And unleash a big home run swing
Oh Wrigley Field, Oh Wrigley Field
Let’s go win the World Series

Primarily produced in Cinema 4D, we did our comp and type animation in After Effects.

The challenges in making the piece included that its one-and-a-half minute length required a huge volume of shots. As well, to accurately imitate a stop-action animation look with computer graphics, we knew the finish couldn’t be too smooth. To make the work look more realistic, we added little imperfections such as thumb prints on the clay textures.

We are especially proud that we were responsible for creating the entire piece–both concept and writing, with our talented group of artists and animators. We also love this project because it’s rooted in pure entertainment–not selling anything, just delighting Cubs fans. That sentiment goes a long way for a brand.

The piece was picked up by every news outlet in Chicago and even made national news. We love the team at NBC so here is their post. And here is the fun Bleacher Report article.