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Reimagining a beloved character is never easy, but that was the task facing Blind Pig and Absolute as they brought Gardaland’s beloved mascot, Prezzemolo, to life. 

The spot, produced for TBWA\Manchesterand production company Chief, celebrates the Italian themepark’s 50th anniversary and shows a new side of Prezzemolo that audiences haven’t seen before, warm, expressive, and full of heart.

The advert sees Prezzemolo transformed into a fully CG character, being integrated seamlessly into live-action scenes with a young girl throughout the decades. It marks a milestone moment in the mascot’s 50 year legacy, and a creative high point for both Absolute and Blind Pig.

The project marked a brilliant example of creative and technical synergy between the two companies. While Blind Pig led the creative direction and project management, Absolute brought the vision to life with exceptional CG animation and compositing. The collaboration truly showcased the best of both teams, blending creative vision and technical precision in a truly seamless pipeline, as well as a unified approach to storytelling. 

Gardaland Resort – Master It

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Blind Pig Executive Creative Director, Ric Comline comments: “It was a brilliant experience working together in this way. The fluid collaboration between our studios allowed us to focus on what we do best, bringing characters to life in a meaningful and visually stunning way.”

“Taking Prezzemolo, Gardaland’s much-loved mascot, from a long-standing 2D figure into a fully 3D-rendered character was both a privilege and a responsibility. We were mindful of the existing fan base and brand legacy and worked to ensure his personality was preserved while elevating him into a new medium. What began as a creative challenge became one of the project’s greatest rewards.”

Absolute Executive Producer Kayleigh Dugdale continues, “Beyond the technical and aesthetic achievements, what makes this spot truly special is the emotional connection it creates. Prezzemolo’s gentle interactions with the little girl add a layer of storytelling that’s new for the character, a tender, emotive side that resonates with audiences and helps forge a deeper bond with the brand.”

“The CG integration into live action is something we’re especially proud of. Prezzemolo feels completely at home in the real-world environments, from the lighting to the textures and the subtle interaction with his surroundings. Every shot was crafted with precision, resulting in visuals that are as polished as they are believable.”

“This is character animation worth shouting about. From his facial expressions to his movements, Prezzemolo feels alive. The animation team poured emotion and charm into every frame and our CG team worked around the clock to deliver a truly stunning piece of work”

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