Andy Martin Goes Back to School in Short for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Produced by Strange Beast, director Andy Martin has created an uplifting new animation called ‘Returning to School’ for the charity Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation with agency RPA. ‘Returning to School’ is part of a series of 20 films, with each spot addressing real fears young people face during treatment. Andy’s animation introduces Imaginary Friends Academy and student Shelly, a turtle who has just returned back to school following cancer treatment in hospital. Using bright, neon colours and a series of quirky creature-students, Shelly walks through the hallway and cafeteria answering the questions of passing students. Able to recede into her brightly armoured shell when the questions become too overwhelming, Shelly advises “just take your time and answer when you’re ready”.

 

 It’s Andy’s ability to create unique, fun characters that makes this spot for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation uplifting yet still sensitive. The characters were inspired by drawings from real cancer survivors, from talking lockers to a two-headed dragon as teacher Mrs Headley, crafting an intimate and personal narrative to explore the difficulties facing young people during treatment.