Aardman handcrafts snow effects for new Thatchers cider holiday ad

Thatchers Cider has released its first Christmas television advertisement, produced in partnership with Aardman, the animation studio based in Bristol. The spot, titled Saving Tasting Time, began airing this week on ITV, Sky, Netflix, and Channel 4. It is also available for streaming online.

The commercial tells a fictional holiday story set at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, Somerset. In the narrative, heavy snowfall threatens to cancel a scheduled Friday cider tasting at 12:30 p.m. Martin Thatcher, the fourth-generation owner, resolves the issue by using a hot air balloon to gather the tasting team. The plot reinforces the brand's policy that no cider leaves the farm unless it meets their quality standards.

Aardman produced the film at its Bristol studios, located approximately 20 miles from the Thatchers farm. The production combined traditional stop-motion puppetry with computer-generated imagery. The team built a miniature replica of Myrtle Farm to serve as the primary set. They also crafted custom costumes and created snow effects by hand.

The costume design required extensive manual labor. Aardman's costume designer spent a full week constructing a miniature coat for Martin Thatcher's puppet. The garment includes an internal armature that allows the sleeves to move during animation. The dog character, Myrtle, received specific adjustments as well. Designers added extra flocking to her fur to improve natural movement and darkened her nose to make facial expressions more visible on camera.

Martin Thatcher stated that the company maintains its quality checks throughout the holiday season. He noted that the collaboration allowed them to showcase their commitment to craftsmanship in a festive context. He expressed satisfaction with how Aardman captured the spirit of the brand and the local region.

Will Studd, a director at Aardman, described the project as a privilege and a source of enjoyment. He highlighted the opportunity to animate real-life members of the Thatchers family as puppets. Studd emphasized the shared passion for detail between the two South West businesses. He indicated that the studio team was proud of the final result and eager to see it broadcast.

The advertisement marks a milestone for the family-owned cider maker. It is the first time the brand has produced a dedicated festive television spot. The film features the famous Thatchers hot air balloon, which is typically seen over Bristol and Somerset during the summer months. The partnership leverages the geographic proximity of the two companies to emphasize their shared roots in the region.