Calling out rascals for the Department for Transport

Directors Smith and Foulkes tackle hard topics for the Department for Transport with evocative animal animation and lighthearted tunes in Bus and Train. 

The inability of public transportation to be accessible to those with disabilities or special needs can often come down to the public itself. Addressing this issue with charmingly drawn illustrations and solutions for the general public, VMLY&R has recruited Nexus Studios to animate a pair of PSAs with the aim of reducing the harm caused by impatient or inconsiderate behavior. 

The balance that the narrative takes is delicate and extremely well done. In many examples, the shorts don’t lay blame on abled people, but Bus and Train do encourage them to be more aware of their impact on people around them, and the privilege they have in public spaces. The tone is exceptionally mature, and well balanced by both the transformations of animals into humans and the catchy jingle in the background. 

The animations in Bus and Train are well done, with soft, chalky textures and facial expressions that convey way more in a look or glance than words or explanations do. The fact that disabled people are allowed to exist without being identified or revealing their disability (for the most part) is also a great step forward in normalizing the experiences of disabled people. The nuance of these spots is uplifting, and Nexus has produced some marvelously reflective work.