10/5/01 Creative Bubble Redesigns for Nick Jr.

As part of a complete redesign of Nick Jr., the Nickelodeon kids network, Creative Bubble, NYC, has helped bring some of the network's animated stars into the real world. The design team at the New York City-based house produced a whimsical open that brings stars such as Blue from Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, Little Bill, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, Bob the Builder and Oswald the Octopus into children's homes.

As the spot opens, an excited boy leaves his bedroom saying simply, "It's time to play." Accompanying him downstairs is Blue. Arriving at the base of the staircase, the boy waves to Oswald the Octopus, who happens to be playing the family-room piano. In the kitchen, a little girl giggles with Little Bill (Bill Cosby's animated alter-ego) before joining her brother in the backyard.

Outside, they ask the diminutive Maggie, and the bright yellow red polka dotted Ferocious Beast if they can play. Maggie, of course agrees, and a growing group of children join Bob the Builder to paint the fence and lead Dora the Explorer in an impromptu dance. Finally, the whole gang gathers round an elaborate jungle-gym, ready to "play and learn" with Nick Jr.

Each character was animated by its own production house and then composited in Creative Bubble's Flame suite. Shadows and reflections were also added. Senior effects artist Doug Dimon explained that one of the most challenging aspects of the production was geography. Creative Bubble had to work with animation firms all over the globe, from London to Japan, and manage a wide assortment of delivery formats.