Not Quite Narwhal
Client: DreamWorks TV Animation
Platform: Netflix
Release Date: 19 June 2023
We have always had a great rapport with DreamWorks and leadership from both studios always spoke about one day collaborating. When DreamWorks expressed their interest in recreating for TV screens this quirky children’s book with magical creatures that revolved around embracing individuality, we jumped at the opportunity.
Many of our artists grew up watching DreamWorks gems like Madagascar, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, so we were absolutely pumped to be given the chance to work on this series with them.
DreamWorks were everything you can ask for in a creative partner. In addition to having an amazingly imaginative and clear vision for what they wanted for Not Quite Narwhal, they were also very generous in giving us a fair amount of creative liberty, understanding our core values in art.
The Challenge
Launching on Netflix earlier this year, Not Quite Narwhal began production during the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced us to completely rethink our working practices. It was a steep learning curve for us. The project came about in the midst of lockdown and we had to take a different approach in terms of estimating deliverables and timelines. Our team had to work remotely and setting up the right infrastructure that was both efficient and secure was a test to our technical capabilities to say the least.
The Creative Process
We set up HP Anyware to ensure our artists would be able to collaborate remotely in real time while maintaining the highest security standards. The PC-over-IP (PCoIP) technology that HP Anyware is based on is secured with AES-256 encryption. Additionally, PCoIP only streams data, never transmits it. Even while artists interact with graphics-intensive content on their laptops, business data stays within the digital workspace in the data center.
“Due to the nature of our work, a lot of the things that we work with are assets that are classified, game stories that are classified, and so HP Anyware really allows us to have the flexibility and security for the company to allow us to check our work or work off hours.” - Kevin Tan (Lemon Sky Studios, Head of IT)
The Results
After setting up the right infrastructure, we were able to produce Not Quite Narwhal with all artists working fully from home.
Despite the challenges, we are honored to have had the opportunity to work on such a meaningful title for DreamWorks.
A key message in Not Quite Narwhal is about self-acceptance, acceptance of others and inclusivity, which we hope will encourage children the world over to celebrate their differences.
“It feels great to be able to say we worked on an animated series that tackles these subjects. At its core, diversity and inclusion can be quite a serious subject but animation can help deliver it in a light, magical and fun way to children.” - Loo Hon Gene (Lemon Sky Studios, Head of Production for Animation)
