In anticipation for their new permanent exhibit, Museums Victoria invited White Owl Sound to help bring to life the most expansive science and biodiversity gallery in their history.

Our Wondrous Planet is a breathtaking new multi-sensory gallery at Melbourne Museum. Visitors traverse the globe on an epic journey from polar ice flats to vibrant reefs to discover their place in nature’s dynamic living network.

Working alongside our best buddies Dirty Puppet, we expanded their beautiful animated world into an interactive, multi channel soundscape. Our storied professional relationship allowed us to work closely with them to create detailed and delicate sound designs as well as textural atmospheric music compositions that immersed our audience in the beauty of each unique biome.

Working side by side with the Creative, Science, and Story teams from the museum, it was paramount that we honoured each animal’s natural movements, sounds and biomes with accuracy.

It was important to find the balance of scientific authenticity, emotional expressiveness and artistic impression. Rather than feeling like a nature documentary, the goal was to evoke the impression of the environments and animals within and to make the audience feel as through they share the same spaces.

Projection surfaces included four-metre-tall curved walk ways, multi-screen immersive caves, a spiralling roof projection, and interactive floor & wall surfaces. We utilised a complex web of hidden multichannel surround sound speakers to help immerse the audience in each biome and bring the movement of the animation to life.

Some films were long form linear narratives while others worked interactively with the audience. Seamless loops and triggered layers create key story moments that visitors can play a part in as they walk through, touch and interact with the environment around them.

This project was an absolute delight to be a part of. The whole team that worked on the exhibit were highly professional and passionate, and the end result is one that we are very proud of.

When the Happy Happy Soy Boy pitch came through from agency 10 Feet Tall, it felt like a perfect match ❤️

The brief came to us already in great shape with the agency having established some song lyrics and ideas for the animated action.

For a project like this though, before the talented Dirty Puppet could get animating, the music has to come first, which we love.

So, with lyrics in hand, Nick went about composing a gospel inspired celebration in which the Soy Beans would gladly give their lives to form the Happy Happy Soy Milk.

After composing the backing, Nick then invited amazing vocalists James and Janet to round out the Soy Bean Gospel Choir. Lots of fun was had.

“A psychedelic soybean paradise where legume residents ‘live‘ to become soy milk. This animated romp follows hyper-enthusiastic beans gleefully leaping into blenders, dodging cartoon chaos, and basically throwing a pre-milk rave. With a jingle catchier than a pop hit and visuals that scream Robot Chicken meets Pixar, it’s a turbocharged love letter to joy, destiny, and creamy plant-based goodness.” – Motionographer

We were invited by the immensely talented Savva Tsekmes to create a cover version of a song from Willy Wonka. Given the twisted beauty of the brief, Nick brought in professional unusualist Mitch Jones for the vocals.

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Home Again is an experimental animated short that transforms the iconic “Wondrous Boat Ride” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory into a meditation on climate change and human impact.

Set to a reworked version of the original narration, the film carries us through an abstract, psychedelic landscape where forests burn, oceans fill with plastic, and glaciers collapse. The imagery unfolds like a fever dream of our own making.

The film’s tone drifts between wonder and dread, chaos and calm, mirroring the psychological rhythm of our collective awakening to environmental collapse. As the journey ends, the Wheel of Fortune turns, suggesting that awareness itself can be the beginning of change.

Home Again invites us to look inward and outward at once, to witness where we are, and remember where we belong.

Credits

Savva Tsekmes - Director / Animator

Nick van Cuylenburg - Music and Sound Design

Aysha Zack - Creative Producing / Additional writing

Mitch Jones - Voice Artist

We invited by Cadre Pictures to create some visceral and painful sound design for the friendly team at MYOB.

Great to see our new awareness and behaviour change campaign for Energy Safe Victoria out in the world.

Production: Sibel Pictures
Director: Ben Saunders
Producer: Selin Yaman
DOP: Katie Milwright
Production Designer: Ben Bangay
Casting: Northside Casting
VFX: Thing FX
VFX Supervisor: Rob Ride
Compositor: Gene Hammond-Lewis
Matte Painting: Xavier Irvine
Post Production: Mr Fox Post
Editor: Andrew Stalph
Grade: Edel Rafferty
Online: Felicity Stalph
Sound: White Owl Sound
Sound Designer: Nick van Cuylenburg

We were invited to compose a custom music track to be used across all TV, radio and online messaging as Victoria made it’s way out of lockdown and back onto the Public Transport network. The goal with this music was to uplift and reassure people that it was safe to return, whilst also providing confidence in the network and hope for the future.

We also helped cast and recorded the immensely talent Yesse Spence, and sound designed and mixed the many different ads in this campaign.

This was a fun one. Working alongside creative director James Cowen and his team at Yes Captain, we created a futuristic tech / punk sound design to compliment their dynamic animation, all in service of a fascinating client in Session.

In collaboration with the talented Unlisted team and JOY agency, we were invited to create an explosive anime-inspired sound design for Musashi.

Agency: JOY.

Production Company: Unlisted.tv

Director: Jeremy Mansford

Sound Design and Mix: White Owl Sound

We were invited to compose an original spoken word track for athletic apparel superstars 2XU. This music was made to mark the end of a brutal lock down period and to reignite passion for sport and community as the world got back outside and moving again.

We were invited by Kitset and Marmalade to create this moody soundscape for the Game Management Authority, warning about the dangers of illegal spotlighting.

Working with our buddies at Dirty Puppet we were honoured to be involved in their curated Motion Response for Pause Fest. Responding to the theme “Intimate Future”, we wanted to focus on a narrative driven by basic human & environmental connection. Technology will always be with us, but it’s our relationships with those around us and the environment that matters most.

Client: PauseFest

Animation: Dirty Puppet

Score: Nick van Cuylenburg

We were invited by Betty Wants In to create a custom soundscape for Mini’s special anniversary launch. Working with the crew on set and recording the sound of this beautiful car and engine was a super fun and rewarding experience.

From early morning’s racing throughout Melbourne’s inner suburbs, to recreating an authentic 1960s garage, we went vintage to craft something special for MINI’s launch of their 60th Anniversary model. The commercial is being broadcast globally through television, cinema and social distribution.

Crew

Director – Max Greenstein

DOP – Shelley Farthing-Dawe

Sound Recording, Design and Mix – Nick van Cuylenburg (White Owl Sound)

Producer – Drew Dunlop

Production Manager – Luke Coulson

Creative Director / Camera Operator – Chas Mackinnon

Art Director / Production Designer – Marni Kornhauser

Production Co-orindator – James Noble

Gaffer – Josh Potts

Stylist / HMU – Denia Henricus

1st Assistant Director – Jack Rintoul

1st AC – Brad Andrew

2nd AC – Bonita Carzino

Art Director Assistant – Quinn Veldhuis

Grip – Luke Stone

Tracking Vehicle – The Mountain Goats

Editor – Raffael Oliveri

Colourist – Abe Wynen (Crayon)

Talent

Boy – Ari Newman

Man – Aaron Campbell

We were invited by Jeremy Mansford to compose original music and sound design for this Mob Psycho 100 inspired intro for fighting game Youtuber & all-round awesome dude Super. Checkout his channel for top-tier Mortal Kombat & Dragon Ball FighterZ action.

Massive drums, distorted guitars and heavy synths were stylistically appropriate and extremely fun to play with.

Director & Animation: Jeremy Mansford

Concept: Super & Jeremy Mansford

MK/DBZ scene illustrations: Avataraandy

Super's Face Design: Sacha Bryning

Original Music Composition and Sound Design: White Owl Sound

Working with the talented team at Yes Captain, the University of Melbourne trusted us to bring a series of short stories to life about sexism, racism, harassment, and discrimination in the classroom to aid teachers and students.

We crafted 4 different stories, each requiring a unique soundscape and musical design to underpin the emotional complexity of each narrative.

Client: University of Melbourne

Creative Direction: James Cowen

Producer: Kim Cowen

Design & Animation: Michael Wilkinson

Additional Concept Designs: Lilian Darmono

Compositing: James Cowen

Music Composition and Sound Design: White Owl Sound

SELECT YOUR J.D.! Working with the electric wonderboy Jeremy Mansford we were back again collaborating with the super talented J.D. Witherspoon and his Youtube Channel runJDrun.

This new intro package & rebrand was all about celebrating his multiple talents, and what better way to do so than with a videogame ’talent-select-screen’, diving through the many worlds and styles of J.D: Streaming - Basketball - Hosting - Gaming - Stand-up - Voice Acting.

Director & Art Direction: Jeremy Mansford

Character Design: Sacha Bryning

3D Character Modeling, Rigging, Animation: Kyle Downes

Original Music Composition & Sound Design: White Owl Sound

We were invited by Loki to create the sound design for their latest animation detailing the unique benefits of their platform. Future tech sound design and seductive textural beats felt appropriate here.

Working alongside the talented Jeremy Mansford we had the pleasure of creating this intro for Node Fest's new Youtube series Motion Meat.

Think Comedians in Cars getting Coffee, but substitute for not very funny designers, eating burgers, talking motion design and animation. Plant based/vege episodes will be called Motion Vege!

For the sound of this intro, we mixed 80’s & 90s cartoons with fast food and hyper colour synths.

Directed, designed & animation: Jeremy Mansford

Character designs: Sacha Bryning

Original Music and Sound Design: White Owl Sound

“Chippy Thief” is the first of three animated sketches as part of our collaboration with Dirty Puppet and Aunty Donna for their “Glennridge Secondary College” online series.

It has been such a treat working with hilariously creative and positive people who provide us with extremely high quality content to work with.

Animation Studio: Dirty Puppet

Animation Director: Cameron Gough

Storyboards: Sacha Bryning

Illustration: Sacha Bryning

Character Rigging & Development: Cameron Gough

Animation & Compositing: Cameron Gough

Sound Studio: White Owl Sound

Music: Tom Armstrong

Sound Design & Mix: Nick van Cuylenburg

Aunty Donna:

Mark Bonanno

Broden Kelly

Zach Ruane

Tom Armstrong

Sam Lingham

Max Miller

Director: Max Miller

Producer: Rachel Millar

We were invited to compose an uplifting sci-fi score for LeasePlan as they look to embrace future technology and innovation.

Client: LeasePlan

Animation: Dirty Puppet

Agency: Hunter

Score: Nick van Cuylenburg

A story about obsolescence and the looming death of the creative process.

Client: TEDx

Studio: Pixel

Director: Luke Saunders

Producer: Haley Polacik

Sound Design & Mixing: Sam Hopgood

Music Score: Nick van Cuylenburg

We were honoured to be invited to collaborate with creative director and designer Claire Skinner, along with international fashion photographer Sam Bisso, Australia’s most in-demand fashion stylist Bec Cole, and eight of Australia’s leading models on an ambitious project which encompassed short films, an award winning book, and a launch event with screenings, installations and prints.

Inspired by fragile beauty and fearless strength, Transcendence explores the realms of transformation and spiritual growth. In contrast to a human being’s struggle with change, in the natural world we find a collection of beautiful creatures that embody the power of adaptation and metamorphosis.

Concept, Creative Direction & Design: Claire Skinner

Photographer & Director: Sam Bisso

Stylist: Bec Cole

Editing: Reuben Gates & Claire Skinner

Titles & Motion Effects: Damian Dunne - Milked

Sound Design: Nick Van Cuylenburg - White Owl Sound

The second in the Cross Counter TV intro series. Salt fuelled jetpacks launch them into the world on Super Smash Bros Melee Online. Online fighting games can really test a player, even the best. The hosts, Scar and Toph find themselves on a tough grind, constantly getting “salty”.

Director, Design + Animation: Jeremy Mansford

Character Design: Sacha Bryning

Original Music and Sound Design: White Owl Sound

'Origins' is a response to the the iconic shape of the Chanel No.5 bottle and it's relationship to Vendome in Paris, France.

3 x 5 minute animations were screened worldwide in all Chanel stores on various screens, walls and building facades.

Client: Chanel

Animation Studio: Dirty Puppet

Animation Director: Cameron Gough

Artwork: Ben Alpass

Original Music: Nick van Cuylenburg

In collaboration with Orphic Creative, Whybin and Josh van Cuylenburg, we were very privileged to be a part of ANZ’s inspiring locals campaign. We interviewed a selection of Sydney’s most inspiring community leaders, and then flew around the country interviewing and filming Australia’s most prolific street artists as they brought their subjects inspiring stories to life through large scale street portraits.

We then documented the inspiration behind these murals with 4 x 2 minute videos, which allowed for unique music compositions reflecting each subject and artist pairing. One of the highlights of this project was the opportunity to collaborate with Jenny Munro’s daughter Lorna Munro, and record her beautiful singing for the score underpinning her mother’s story.

Client: ANZ

Agencies: Orphic Creative and Whybin

Producer: Alex McCulloch

Video Producer: Kylie Risson

Director and DOP: Josh van Cuylenburg

Music Composition, Interviews and Mix: White Owl Sound

The third in the Cross Counter TV intro series. Our two host chefs ride a jam-powered boot on a mission to destroy the router. Makes complete sense right?

Welcome to The Recipe, a show featuring two of the Fighting Game Community's finest, the duo know as “TastyJam”. They play some of the most asked for fighting games while joke about kicking the router to help steal them wins.

The anime style was influenced by the art style of the games they play, along with the intense rocking music. This received an amazing response from the viewers.

Director, Art Director + Animation: Jeremy Mansford

Character Design: Sacha Bryning

Original Music and Sound Design: White Owl Sound

To celebrate International Women's Day, INA is proud to be launching SHE.

SHE is a movement inspired and powered by a rising determination to rid the world of the injustices we see affecting girls and women around the world today.

Client: INA

Animation Studio: Dirty Puppet

Illustration: Lilian Darmono & Oscar Gomez

Animation & Compositing: Oscar Gomez & Cameron Gough

Music, Sound Design, VO recording and mix: White Owl Sound

Our bestest buddies Dirty Puppet were invited to create a Motion Response for Pause Fest 2016. In responding to the years theme "Discover Your Future Self" we went very literal with our interpretation.

Client: Pause Fest

Festival Partner: The Foundry

Animation Studio: Dirty Puppet

Animation Director: Cameron Gough

Illustration: Annika Fleur & Cameron Gough

Animation & Compositing: Cameron Gough

3D Modelling, Texturing & lighting: Courtney Hopkinson

Music Composition: White Owl Sound

In celebration of 26 years of creativity, Watermark Creative invited us to create uplifting beautiful music and hand crafted sound design to help celebrate their anniversary.

We had the pleasure of collaborating with Jeremy Mansford to create an intro for the talented Youtuber / Actor / Comedian / Filmmaker / Impressionist J.D. Witherspoon and his dope gaming channel runJDrun. Retro games, pixel art and anime were big inspirations.

Concept: Jeremy Mansford + J.D. Witherspoon

Director + Animation: Jeremy Mansford

Character + Scene Design: Sacha Bryning

Sound + Music Design: White Owl Sound

Evolution is a tapestry of poetic scenes inspired by the History of the Arts Centre Melbourne site.

The project was commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne Digital Arts program and was designed specifically for the custom built 6 x 1 metre LED screens that were part of the re-launch of Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.

Client: Arts Victoria / Hamer Hall

Animation Studio: Dirty Puppet

Direction, Animation and Compositing: Cameron Gough

Writer: Tait Ischia

Artwork: Kate Moon

Music Composition: Nick van Cuylenburg

We were invited to work with the talented animator and illustrator Chris Edser on a few of his NBA hoops loops animations, curated by Bleacher Report, the Chicago Bulls, and other NBA publications. Here we have composed a fun little track to accompany a mix of some of his best NBA hoop loops.

Animation and Illustration: Chris Edser

Music: Nick van Cuylenburg

The Cross Counter entertainment network desired an epic combo of tools to package its show The Excellent Adventures of Gootecks & Mike Ross in ultimate production value.

Inspired by the over-the-top, explosive nature of the super moves from the Street Fighter games, the style evolved into a colourful uppercut to the face. An efficient, high energy, fresh take on anime techniques.

Creative Director & Motion Design: Jeremy Mansford

Creative Associate & Brand Wizard: Shane Ries

Motion & Illustrative Assistant: Mari Adams

Original Music and Sound Design: Nick van Cuylenburg

We were invited to create the sound design for the Australian Airforce website. We created loopable clips and dynamic transitions for an interactive experience exploring the future of Australian Airforce Aviation.

Agency: GPY&R

Animation Studio: Dirty Puppet

Sound Design: White Owl Sound

A European Model can be ruined by the smallest mistake.

We were commissioned by VicRoads to compose an original music track for their quirky new custom Euro license plates TVC.

When she was 9, Zainab’s parents made the heartbreaking decision to leave their home in northern Afghanistan. They set out on a journey across the globe, putting the fate of their family in the hands of strangers. Across borders, behind bars and onto a smuggler’s boat – the family chased freedom.

‘Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’ is a 52 minute Documentary that tells Zainab’s story, and the story of many others who have trodden the same path.

Jessie Taylor and Ali Reza Sadiqi travelled across Indonesia and met with 250 asylum seekers in jails, detention centres and hostels. Through candid interviews, hidden camera footage and in the words of asylum seekers themselves, the story of the ‘refugee’ is told.

Meet the human faces behind the most controversial issue of our time.

Directed by David Schmidt
Made by Jessie Taylor, David Schmidt and Chris Kamen
Scored by Nick van Cuylenburg