London-based animation and production studio Dog & Rabbit has once again returned with a fresh dose of eccentric, hand-made irreverence. Known for their distinct visual style and clever storytelling, directors Andrew Kelleher and Dave Anderson have released a brand-new episode of their cult animated hit, Dog Judo. Staying true to the creative ethos that has defined their work for over two decades, the latest project demonstrates how the studio continues to captivate audiences by completely bypassing modern artificial intelligence tools in favor of seasoned, hands-on digital craftsmanship.
The origins of Dog Judo stretch back to 2004, when the concept was first conceived as part of an advertising campaign for Virgin Media to promote their early camera phones. What began as a commercial assignment quickly resonated with viewers, taking off organically and generating millions of views. Recognizing the unique appeal of the characters and the world they inhabited, Virgin Media eventually handed the intellectual property rights over to Dog & Rabbit, allowing Kelleher and Anderson to steer the franchise and continue producing episodes entirely on their own terms.
Over the past twenty years, the directors have refined their production pipeline into a well-oiled machine. While the animation industry undergoes a massive shift toward generative AI and automated workflows, Dog & Rabbit proudly lean in the opposite direction.
Reflecting on their distinct production philosophy, directors Andrew Kelleher and Dave Anderson explained that they deliberately avoid artificial intelligence. While acknowledging that modern digital software differs significantly from traditional analog techniques, they embrace their chosen medium with a sense of ironic nostalgia, noting that Photoshop and After Effects have effectively become the new old-fashioned tools of their trade.
Rather than relying on automated generation, the studio’s signature aesthetic is built on a meticulous, hands-on approach. The creators chop up real-life photographs of dogs within Photoshop and subsequently bring them to life through movement and compositing in After Effects. This blend of photographic texture and traditional timeline animation gives the series its distinct tactile charm. True to their trademark humor, the latest episode even features a quick and intentionally uninsightful behind-the-scenes video at the conclusion, poking fun at standard industry making-of features.
In addition to their foundational techniques, the studio has continued to experiment with evolving software capabilities. For this latest release, Kelleher and Anderson have utilized the newer three-dimensional capabilities built directly into After Effects, seamlessly mixing 3D elements with traditional 2D characters and props. Notably, the character Brooks Rokkit was animated entirely in 3D within After Effects, incorporating various assets and components imported from Blender. This technical bridge allows the studio to expand its visual scope while retaining the quirky, handmade spirit that fans of Dog Judo have come to expect over the years.
The release further cements Dog & Rabbit’s position as a stalwart of independent animation talent operating out of London. By balancing legacy digital workflows with selective modern integrations, the studio proves that distinct artistic vision and two decades of refined technique can continually cut through the digital noise.
Credits
- Production: Dog & Rabbit
- Director/Animator: Andrew Kelleher, Dave Anderson
