About the project:

The Last Shot - 2D Animation

We created an award-winning 2D animation blending the intensity of clay court tennis with the mythical landscapes of the American West, using 2D frame by frame animation, and custom sound design. The film earned many awards for its bold fusion of sport and storytelling.

At FEVR Animation Studio, we love bringing dynamic projects to life, showcasing the quality of our animations for advertising agencies and direct clients alike. For this one we set out to blend the raw intensity of a clay court tennis final, like the legendary battles at Roland Garros, with the breathtaking landscapes of the American West.

Through striking concept art and dynamic 2D animation, we brought this vision to life, crafting animated characters that embody the mindset of a tennis champion serving for the match. The idea sparked from a simple yet powerful question: What goes through a player’s mind in that defining moment? The result? A visually stunning fusion of sport, storytelling, and artistic expression.

2D traditional animation western illustration tennis sport cel animation frame by frame animation

After choosing the artistic direction, and working on the character design and color palette for this film, we created a detailed, hand-drawn storyboard to organize the different scenes

Storyboard 2D Animation Hand draw storyboard for 2d traditional animation by FEVR animation studio i

Through the adept use of traditional 2D animation (Cel animation), we brought this unique world to life, creating an immersive experience that engages the audience at the heart of a fierce competitive battleground. The combination of the western aesthetic and the clay court setting allowed us to craft a visually striking and emotionally charged narrative.

2D traditional animation western illustration tennis sport frame by frame animation by FEVR

The meticulous attention to detail in our 2d animation work ensured that every frame was imbued with the passion and energy of both worlds. Using After Effects for compositing, we seamlessly merged western and tennis elements, transitioning between them naturally and compellingly. This artistic approach amplified the overall impact of the video, leaving viewers spellbound by the harmonious fusion of two seemingly disparate themes.

To complete the visual experience, we collaborated with our music and sound design team to craft a custom-made soundtrack. Here again, we aimed for a blend of the unique sounds of the western genre with the suspense emanating from a stadium like Roland Garros or Flushing Meadows at match point. This music added a dynamic and emotional dimension to the film, intensifying the sense of competition and drama.

2D traditional animation illustration tennis sport cel animation frame by frame animation

To complete the visual experience, we collaborated with our music and sound design team to craft a custom-made soundtrack. Here again, we aimed for a blend of the unique sounds of the western genre with the suspense emanating from a stadium like Roland Garros or Flushing Meadows at match point. This music added a dynamic and emotional dimension to the film, intensifying the sense of competition and drama.

We are proud to share that our creation received a "Vimeo Staff Pick", the ultimate distinction from the global video hosting platform Vimeo, which testifies to the innovative narrative, artistic vision, and technical expertise invested in the project. This acknowledgment validates our dedication to producing exceptional and distinct content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

2D traditional animation western in the west illustration cel animation frame by frame animation

To discover more of the hybrid mixed media animations we've produced, explore standout pieces we've created for major brands: a bold visual narrative for PepsiCo, highlighting branding design and graphic collaborations; an elegant "paper-cut" style animation for Dior inspired by La Dolce Vita in Italy; a refined showcase of Chanel 's iconic Chance fragrance, and Run4Life, an energetic mix of dynamic kinetic typography and live-action running scenes.