For gin brand Sipsmith’s first-ever commercial, Ogilvy London created a beautifully crafted and witty stop-frame animation. Designed by model-maker Andy Gent and his studio, the team behind the Wes Anderson films Fantastic Mr Fox and Isle of Dogs, the ad brings to life in animated form the brand’s London distillery and its mascot, Mr Swan. Filming took three animation teams nine days to complete.

Sipsmith has an unusual backstory: London is the historical home of gin, but small distilleries were outlawed there for centuries until, in 2007, the Sipsmith founders went to Parliament and had the law overturned. However, having started the modern craft gin movement they inadvertently inspired hundreds of rivals. The aim of the ad was to assert the craft at the heart of the brand in creating its gin. The spot, which features comedian Julian Barratt as the voice of Mr Swan, achieved this with humour and charm.

Sipsmith Founders: Sam Galsworthy, Fairfax Hall
Global & UK Marketing Director: Shelley Macintyre
Global Marketing Director: Kate Moorcroft
Head of Digital & Creative: Jim Mills
Head of UK Marketing: Sam Flintham-Ward
Agency: Ogilvy UK
CCO: André Laurentino
ECD: Jules Chalkley
Creative Director: Giles Montgomery, Lotte Jeffs
Art Director: Ilka Mourao
Copywriter: Jonny Durgan
Agency Producer: Oliver Featherman
Business Director: Kerry Capps
Account Manager: Charlotte Black
Agency Project Manager: Marianne Paton
CSO: Kevin Chesters
Strategy Director: Marie Maurer
Production Company: Biscuit Filmworks
Director: Jeff Low
Producer: Kwok Yau
Production Assistant: Gabija Lauce
DOP: Malcolm Hadley 
Production Designer: Gordon Allen
Lead Animators: Andy Biddle, Tobias Fouracre
Post: The Mill
Producer: Nicole Duncan
Colourist: James Bamford
Editorial Company: Work
Editor: Saam Hodivala
Sound: 750mph
Sound Engineer: Sam Robson
Voiceover: Julian Barrett
Media Agency: Zenith