Kick Off Meeting
We held a kickoff meeting where we reviewed the ads they liked, discussed the desired tone of voice and target audience, and outlined key requirements such as ad duration, planned scenes, and casting needs.
Script writing
The script required a lot of pirate-themed language, which made it a really fun project to work on. We also had to ensure the content was age-appropriate and complemented the visuals seamlessly. To achieve this, our writers and animators collaborated closely throughout the process, making sure the overall flow of the ad was engaging and cohesive.
Storyboard
We got together and sketched out the story with the BPL team, to make sure we understand their vision and to bounce off ideas between us and them.
Video Shoot list
To ensure the day ran smoothly and efficiently, we created a detailed shot list in advance. This allowed the entire team to stay aligned on the production schedule, prioritise key scenes, and make the most of our time on set. It also helped us anticipate potential challenges and stay flexible while keeping the shoot on track.
Shoot day
Shoot day went surprisingly smooth, like a pirate ship on calm waters. Our shot list was the treasure map, and the crew was fully on board. No chaos, no mutiny, just a team working together and having a great time bringing it all to life.
Voiceover
We were lucky to have our talented team member Chris step into the role of the pirate, and he did an excellent job. He provided the voiceover for the ad and brought great energy and enthusiasm to the performance. It was clear he had a lot of fun with it, which added an extra layer of charm to the final result.
Editing
Once we had the visuals and voiceover in place, it was time to bring everything together in the edit. This stage is where the project really came to life, as timing, pacing, and creative details all worked in harmony to shape the final ad.
First cut
Once we had the first cut, we reviewed it closely to make sure everything flowed as intended and captured the tone we were aiming for
Final cut
After making a few refinements based on feedback, we locked in the final cut. It captured the energy, tone, and storytelling we set out to achieve, and the team was proud of the result.
Social media shorts
We created a series of social media shorts that are weather themed that the team at BPL can use on rainy/sunny days to remind people to go to Calypso Cove. Thus, we were able to extend the reach of the campaign and keep the content engaging across platforms.
She / her. Iulia is Rusty Monkey’s animation, illustration and 3D expert. Responsible for making everything beautiful, she also dabbles in graphic design and UX design. Among her credits is an animated music video for local parody heavy metal band Evil Scarecrow. A talented artist, she showcases her work on her Instagram channel. She usually spends most of her time in some random corner of the house with a drawing tablet and a pen, scribbling away. Cat obsessed. Professional house plant killer. Autumn lover. Maker of things.
He / him. Chris is a co-founder of Rusty Monkey. Chris would like to think of himself as a branding philosopher but in reality it means that he can sit in his hammock and come up with great ideas around business and branding problems. He’s also a BBC-trained camera operator and has worked on many large scale TV events. A technophile. Loves the outdoors and will often head into the countryside with his wife, daughter and camera drone. Really interested in ethical thinking and business.
He / him; yellow. Creative jack-of-all-trades, Matt is "dangerously knowledgeable" in almost every facet of marketing. His favourite field is branding, and he loves developing inspiring, daring brand identities for organisations who are ready to do something different. But he's equally talented at front end web development and developing digital strategies. He's also the front man and guitarist in local parody heavy metal outfit Evil Scarecrow, plus a huge fan of music, eating in nice restaurants, and going on holiday.
Kick off meeting
Script writing
Video shoot list
Shoot day
Voiceover
Video editing
First cut and animation elements
Final cut
Social media shorts
Calypso Cove is a pirate-themed indoor waterpark located in the Barnsley Metrodome Leisure Complex in South Yorkshire. Known for its thrilling flumes, interactive play areas, and family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a fun and safe aquatic adventure for visitors of all ages.
The goal of the project was to create a fun, engaging advert for Sky Ads that showcased Calypso Cove’s pirate-themed waterpark. The aim was to capture the excitement of the experience, appeal to families, and drive awareness and visits through visually dynamic, age-appropriate storytelling.
To bring the campaign to life, we developed a lively, pirate-themed advert that combined energetic visuals with playful voiceover to reflect the spirit of Calypso Cove. Our team worked closely across writing, animation, and editing to ensure the content was age-appropriate, visually engaging, and flowed seamlessly. The final piece was tailored specifically for Sky Ads, designed to capture attention quickly and leave a memorable impression on family audiences.
We had our Chris doing the voiceover and planning, Matt doing a fantastic job on filming and our animation expert Iulia adding the animated layers on top.
'It was a great project to work with Rusty Monkey on, so much fun and its been a huge success!'
Rachel Rinkcavage
The final ad really brought the magic of Calypso Cove to life. It was fun, fast paced and full of energy, just like the waterpark itself. The finished piece helped build excitement and got more families looking forward to experiencing the adventure for themselves.
Get in touch to find out how animation can help you explain your product or service to your audience.
Subscribe to our newsletter for unique content, marketing insights and good times.