When a cardboard box becomes a whole universe 🐰📦
Apple TV+ brings us Not a Box, a charming animated series that shows that a child's imagination can turn the simplest object into the most extraordinary toy. Following the adventures of Riley, a bunny with more creativity than a design studio, young viewers will discover that a simple box can be a rocket, a castle, or even a submarine. What makes this production special is that, just like children, it doesn't need spectacular effects to create magic.
The team that transformed cardboard into animated art
Behind this tender production is Passion Pictures, the studio that has brought Riley and his imaginary friends to life. With voices like those of Isabel Birch and Ian James Corlett, the series promises to conquer the little ones from its premiere on June 13. Although not all technical secrets have been revealed, it's safe to say they have mixed 2D and 3D techniques, probably using tools like Toon Boom and Blender to create those colorful worlds that seem straight out of a child's mind. ✨
"We animate boxes all day, but we've never seen one with so much personality," confesses an animator between renders.
What makes Not a Box special
- Genius simplicity: It shows that expensive toys aren't needed to have fun
- Limitless creativity: Each episode is a reminder of why kids are the best artists
- Expressive animation: Combines the best of traditional and digital techniques
- Charming voices: A cast that brings memorable characters to life
Why adults should watch it too
While kids enjoy Riley's adventures, adults can reminisce about those days when a box was the best toy in the world. Plus, 3D artists will especially understand the message: sometimes the seemingly simplest projects are the ones that require the most creativity. Who knows, maybe after watching an episode, more than one will feel inspired to create their next masterpiece... starting by modeling, of course, a perfect box. 📐
Lessons we can all learn
- Imagination is the best design software
- Sometimes less is more (especially in render times)
- Don't underestimate the power of a good story, even if its setting is cardboard
So now you know: when you see a child playing with a box, remember they might be piloting a spaceship. And if they ask what you're doing watching a kids' series, say it's "market research"... no one needs to know that the magic of animation actually hooked you. 😉