72andSunny (okay okay, and Microsoft) have become the official patron saints of motion graphics and animation for 2007, thanks in large part to the Zune Arts campaign, which continues to fund fantastic short films like PandaPantha’s new “Masks.”
“Masks” perfectly blends cuteness, pscyhedelia and narrative, a heady concoction that manages to communicate the campaign’s theme of sharing without feeling forced. Directors Jonathan Garin and Naomi Nishimura had me grinning a boyish little grin for pretty much the entire length of the spot.
(The music for “Masks,” by the way, is “Young Dead Men” by The Black Angels.)
If you take a spin through the recently revamped Zune Arts site, you’ve got to admit that 72andSunny has done a bang-up job picking diverse studios with fresh takes on the campaign. Their curatorial powers alone deserve praise.
Check out PandaPanther’s site for some more great work. They’re a young studio, but they’ve got a fun portfolio full of distinctive work.
UPDATE: Full credits available here.