Good Cyber Stories #1 and #2

animation cybercrime explainer Good Cyber Stories pigeon cybersecurity motion graphics NGO Video Essay mixed media

EU Cyber Direct came to us with the Good Cyber Stories initiative, a platform for showcasing
cyber-related initiatives that have a real impact on societies.

Our task was to prepare a series of 5 animations, each with a distinct theme such as cybercrime, discrimination, and international cooperation amongst the others.

The goal was to encourage non-government organizations and governments to take concrete actions building on the existing good practices.

The Big Idea for the series started with listing the client's values such as inclusiveness, safety, respect, cooperation, diversity. As a result, it becomes clear that there's a need for a more
human-centric approach to this project as opposed to abstract technical concepts usually deployed in this type of projects.

The story was about the influence that cybersecurity has on people and as such had to be treated
as a project of special social importance that is close to our own values at Studio Pigeon.

As for the visuals, authenticity was achieved by a mixed-media approach. Different techniques such as collages, videos, and photos were used. The variety of styles enhanced the theme
of colorful and charming idealism. It was also our visual way of representing values such
as inclusiveness and tolerance by accepting various styles and techniques.

We also sought inspiration in imaginative visuals of various editorial-style illustrations that are based on metaphors and allegory to visualize the ideas in a symbolic manner.

Each project got its own distinctive color palette.

The documentary-approach to storytelling was our next intuitive choice. As a result,
we've included the testimonials from the participants to different initiatives highlighted through
the stories. By embracing the low-quality of the videos, interviews become even more authentic and convincing.

For animation we've made use of After Effects, Photoshop and Cinema4D. To make the visual style of the images coherent with the movement, animation approach was different for each scene.

The 2D animation was made in Photoshop to achieve the hand-made feeling by using proper brushes.

We've also made some traditional sequences for the animation by shooting the paper transitions with the camera.

3D animation imitated the 2D style. 3D scenes were also animated on twos, to give it a more traditional look.

First animation introduces the project and is an invitation to participate and submit initiatives that are exemplary Good Cyber Stories. As a trailer-like video, it called for music that would
be inspirational.

For voice-over talent, we've looked for a mature male sound that would deliver the narration
in a serious yet warm manner.

The rhythm of the animation supported the track that is building up towards the very end
of the video to build the motivational feeling.