Experience 'A Mammoth Adventure' and watch our BRAND-NEW 2024 Christmas Advert!
Behind the Magic…
Deadline Communications
Essex-based production company Deadline Communications was formed in 2004 by filmmakers Simon J Frith, Jim Cogan and Peter Curtis. Over the years it’s produced documentaries, promos, mini-features, training films, animations and works with a wide variety of highly skilled collaborators, both behind and in front of the cameras.
Simon J Frith
Director
Simon has previously directed films for Colchester Zoo, helping them to recover from the lockdowns of 2020: Leah’s Leopard, the two-hour live fundraiser show, Bringing the Zoo to You and Colchester Zoo’s Christmas ‘Tiger Spirit’ Advert 2023.
Struan Wallace
Director of Photography
Struan began his professional career as a stills photographer in the 1980s, and progressed to the moving image in the early 2000s. He has spent his entire professional career behind the camera and his production work has taken him around the world. Struan shot last year’s zoo ad and is pleased to be back again this year.
Aaron Foster
Animator
Aaron has been creating animated films for over 15 years, many in collaboration with Deadline Communications. Every frame of his work is meticulously hand-crafted in a traditional cartoon style that evokes childlike drawings coming to life. The art of animation has been a life-long passion of his: the artform really lets you create unique little worlds from scratch, and creating A Mammoth Adventure made him feel like being a kid again, doodling characters on any piece of paper he could get his hands on!
Introducing Aaron Jay Johnson
As Cole
Aaron comes from a Performing Arts family enjoying many industry experiences, but this is his first film role. He has a love for learning with a particular passion for science. Aaron and his family treasure their visits to Colchester Zoo, making sure to get a picture with the bronze tortoise on every occasion. Aaron had a brilliant time filming ‘A Mammoth Adventure’ and wishes everyone a magical Christmas Time.
Louis Gaston
Sound Design
With over 30 years of experience in the sound and music industry, Louis Gaston has excelled in various roles, including sound design, audio editing, music production, and composition. His impressive portfolio includes contributions to Top 40 UK chart recordings and high-profile advertising campaigns for renowned brands such as Barclays and Citroën. A regular collaborator with Deadline Communications, Louis’s skills have been brought into play on all of Deadline’s work for the zoo to date.
Additional Crew Members
Colourist REBECCA GOODEVE
1st Assistant Director LILI RACHEVA
1st Assistant Camera ALEX WALLACE
Makeup & Hair CLARISSA CLARY
Simon Frith, Director“It’s lovely to be invited back to create a second Christmas ad for the zoo. As an Essex-based company ourselves, it’s great to be able to support a local business, especially one that does so much good work for conservation”.
Music to Your Ears…
‘Closer to You’
Our Christmas Advert features a brand-new song, written and performed by Josie Beth, titled ‘Closer to You’. Josie is already a musical sensation after featuring on BBC Introducing! The lyrics have been carefully written to capture the full meaning of the story referencing ‘getting closer’ to Cole’s Christmas wish, of discovering an extinct animal and ‘believing’ in Santa.
‘Closer to You’ is now available for download on all major music platforms (Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music)!
Original Music JOSIE BETH
Music produced by JOSIE BETH. AMY SERGEANT
Josie Beth“This project was the quickest turn around I have ever had… I began writing the song and drafting ideas on the 11th September and the song was mastered and ready to go about a month later! I am really excited to be a part of the advert this year and Merry Christmas to you all!”
Shop the Advert…
The Santa Experience
Step into the magical wonderland of the North Pole as you journey through the white woodland, take a stop in Mr Claus’ kitchen and through the busy elves’ workshop before meeting the big man himself and receiving your very own ‘Wilbur the Woolly Mammoth’.
Magic Of Christmas
Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with our festive activities taking place throughout the day! Listen the tale of Cole’s and Wilbur’s mammoth adventure at the Elf Tales, send your Christmas wish with Santa’s magical post box or transform into your favourite festive character at the Face Painting Station.
Enchanted Trail of Light
Experience a whole host of illuminations along a designated route, featuring an immersive blue ice tunnel, magical rainbow light bridge and life-sized animal illuminations. Plus, you can control the magic with special interactive light zones, all put together by our creative in-house events team.
Keeper Shadowing Animal Experience
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Dinosaur Realm at Colchester Zoo
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The Outpost Gift Shop at Colchester Zoo
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