SapientNitro + Cutting Edge launch Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games’ mascot Borobi

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Screen Shot 2016-04-06 at 9.28.42 am.jpgThis week GOLDOC (Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation) and SapientNitro have launched Borobi, the 21st Commonwealth Games Mascot to Australia, live on Channel 7’s Sunrise.

Borobi, the unstoppable koala, is a very different koala. He’s energetic, determined and has bright blue fur from surfing in the Gold Coast beaches.

BOROBI_Vert.jpgDeveloped by creative marketing services and technology agency, SapientNitro in conjunction with the animation team at Cutting Edge Brisbane, this launch video uses a sporting profile visual treatment, narrated by Channel 7’s own sports reporter, Pat Welsh.

Says Ralph Barnett, creative director, SapientNitro: “SapientNitro provided the core creative direction in the development of the mascot by combining deep storytelling and character development experience.

“Working closely with animation partner Cutting Edge, our goal was to redefine how a mascot story can be shared while ensuring the mascot remained undeniably Australian.

“Giving Borobi a dynamic personality and genuine spirit was an exciting part of the project and watching him come to life both digitally and physically has made us all feel like proud parents. It’s been a huge honour to work on a project of national significance.”

Inspired by Merrilyn Krohn’s GC2018 Mascot Design Competition winning entry, the design was adapted to incorporate Borobi’s backstory and Indigenous design elements.

454eef1f2902eec330191751e3373c22d44641d6.jpgThe Indigenous markings on Borobi’s paws were included in the design to raise awareness of the local Indigenous Yugambeh Language Group of the Gold Coast in South East Queensland.

The name Borobi means koala in the Yugambeh language.

The animated launch video is the first global release of the GC2018 Mascot, with more to come in the lead up to the Games.

SapientNitro

Managing Director: Stephen Forth

Group Account Director: Mark Gregory  

Account Manager: Rachel Montague

Senior Strategist: Justin Cloete

Creative Director: Ralph Barnett

Art Director: Sarah Chernishov

Copywriters: Kirsten Twigg, Darren Masters and Andrew Cruickshank

Head of TV & Content Production: Mel Ashman

Graphic Design Team: John Shard, Jade Thomson

Character Consultant: David Cohan

Mascot landing page design team:

Luke Peake, Angelica Backstrom, Thibaut Allender

Cutting Edge

Creative Director – Zenon Kohler

Animation Director – Ian Anderson

Lead Animator – Andrew Kimberley

Animator – Matt Dye

Compositor/Motion Designer  – Victor Bandeira

CG Supervisor – Phil Jackson

Senior Sound Engineer – Michael Lange

Senior VFX Producer – Flavia Riley

Senior Post Producer – Trelise Caughey

3D Team – Rob Conn & Ahmed Nashabe