Cider firm gets the Aardman treatment in its latest advert

Two of the best-known brands in the South West have combined to create an advertising campaign with a difference.

Thatchers Cider has collaborated with Bristol based multi-Academy Award winning studio Aardman on its latest TV ad.

Airing for the first time on TV at 9.15pm on 25TH May, the commercial uses Aardman’s trademark stop motion animation technique to bring the viewer through the gates of Thatchers’ own Myrtle Farm.

Aardman uses its world-class skills in perfectly crafted hand-made miniature worlds to bring Thatchers’ expertise to the screen.

Iconic elements of Myrtle Farm such as its orchards, help tell the story of carefully crafting the perfect cider.

Familiar faces make an appearance throughout the commercial, including fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher making a big entrance for the weekly 12.30 tasting.

Viewers will also recognise the iconic Thatchers hot air balloon, a familiar sight over the skies of Bristol.

West Country favourite, Thatchers, with its popular ciders including Thatchers Gold, Haze and Blood Orange, is still making cider at the same family farm in Somerset where founder William Thatcher first grew and pressed apples almost 120 years ago.

The Pint-Sized Perfection commercial tells the story of the Thatchers commitment to crafting its ciders, which are now sold right across the UK.

The commercial follows the cider making journey from the orchards to glass, through Aardman’s unique and characterful story telling technique.

Martin Thatcher, who has had cameo appearances in all of Thatchers recent TV ads, said: “Partnering with Aardman, a truly iconic brand with such amazing creative genius, and situated in the West Country as we are, allows us to introduce consumers to a new, light-hearted storytelling creative about our ciders.

“It’s been a real privilege to see how Aardman shares the same total commitment to painstaking perfection every step of the way, as we do at Thatchers.”

The commercial, conceptualised by creative communications agency, Bray Leino, has been directed by Will Studd from Aardman and produced by Danny Gallagher.

Will Studd added: “As a paid-up cider enthusiast, I am drinking in the opportunity to bring the Thatchers family, farm, dog, and selected staff members to life with detailed puppets and sets.

“Being able to collaborate with such a well-established South West brand on this project is an honour, I’m eager to create a beautiful film that captures the essence of Thatchers and their focus on perfection.”

Viewers may recognise the familiar voice of the narrator – Richard Ede – who has also featured in previous commercials from Thatchers.

A team of 40 creatives at Aardman were involved in the film, with animators alone needing over 480 hours to shoot the 40 second commercial.

Martin Thatcher added: “This is a film that allows people to step into the world of Thatchers. Our passion for creating the most perfect cider is reflected in the genius of Aardman, whose animators have recreated life at Myrtle Farm in the most minute and exacting detail, from our iconic barn doors, to our hot air balloon where the basket was handwoven out of real straw. Fabric from our own workwear has even been used to create some of the costumes.”

Close