Client: Greenall’s Gin
Project Title: “Thomas Dakin”

Objective:
This project aimed to create a fun, energetic and playful musical identity that would elevate the colourful visual animation of the commercial. The music needed to appeal to a younger, contemporary audience while remaining connected to the heritage and craftsmanship of the Thomas Dakin brand. Our goal was to bring a sense of excitement, movement and personality to the story, using an upbeat musical approach to make the brand’s history feel fresh, accessible and engaging.

Music Integration:
The music played a central role in bringing energy and character to the commercial. We created an upbeat, playful orchestral track that combines the excitement and immediacy of contemporary music with the classical tradition of the orchestra. Strings and orchestral instrumentation provide a strong connection to the heritage and craftsmanship of Thomas Dakin, while rhythmic elements and lively musical gestures give the track a youthful and energetic character.

Rather than approaching the historical story in a traditional or overly formal way, the music was designed to make the brand’s heritage feel fun and accessible. Playful melodic ideas, rhythmic movement and energetic orchestral performances give the score a sense of personality, helping the historical narrative connect with a younger audience while retaining the sophistication associated with the brand.

The music was carefully shaped around the animation, with changes in dynamics, instrumentation and musical intensity responding directly to the movement and timing of the visuals. Energetic passages were used to heighten moments of action and discovery, while lighter musical gestures helped emphasise the commercial’s playful visual details. This close relationship between music and animation allowed the score to become an active part of the storytelling rather than simply sitting underneath the visuals.

Sound Design Approach:
The sound design was created to reinforce the playful and energetic nature of the animation, adding detail and impact to key visual moments without competing with the music. Subtle environmental and production sounds were incorporated throughout the commercial, including bottle and glass details, gentle movement, and carefully timed transitional effects.

These sounds were used selectively to add a sense of physicality to the animated world, helping the visuals feel more immediate and engaging while supporting the rhythm and pacing established by the music.

Tone and Style:
The overall tone was fun, playful, energetic and contemporary, combining the youthful immediacy of an upbeat score with the classical character of a live orchestra. The orchestral instrumentation provides a clear connection to the heritage and craftsmanship of Thomas Dakin, while the lively rhythms, playful melodies and energetic performances ensure the music feels fresh and engaging for a younger audience.

Technical Delivery:

• Delivered in stereo for TV and digital platforms.
• Orchestral recording featuring a string ensemble.
• Mixed for clarity, energy and dynamic balance, with the music and sound design carefully integrated to complement the animation.
• Adhered to broadcast loudness standards.