Popota 2024

Never Stop Playing!

Main Credits

Client: Continente
Production Consulting: Proud Solutions
Agency: FUEL
Executive Producer: João Marcos Marchante
Production Director: Liliana Ramires
Account: Liliana Ramires
Project Management: Liliana Ramires, Guilherme Afonso
Directors: Guilherme Afonso, Miguel Madaíl de Freitas

…and we never stopped playing!

In Portugal, Christmas truly begins when Popota steps onto the scene. We’re incredibly proud to present Popota’s 2024 Christmas campaign, an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, imagination, and a celebration of the toys that bring joy to everyone, regardless of age.

This year’s campaign invites us on a journey through endless worlds – from deserts to jungles, to outer space! Popota and her sidekicks take us on an exhilarating ride through these fantastical realms, where imagination knows no limits. It’s a vibrant, nostalgic trip that reminds us of the magic of childhood. Whether it’s video games, toys, or tabletop games, the spirit of play has no boundaries – for both kids and adults alike.

Popota 2024 - Never Stop Playing - Nunca deixes de brincar - Nebula Studios

 

In Popota’s 2024 adventure, our fearless heroine and her three new friends travel through hyperspace on a toy spaceship. Along the way, they visit iconic worlds based on some of the most beloved games: Monopoly, Catan, Jenga, and Super Mario video game. And who could forget the thrilling Jurassic Park-inspired scene with toy jeeps and dinosaurs?

Popota – The Portuguese Christmas Diva

In Portugal Christmas starts when the Popota spot airs – she’s a very well known personality in Portugal. 

Popota is more than just a character – she’s a symbol of Christmas in Portugal. The moment her commercial airs, we know the holiday season has officially begun. This year, we took the challenge of recreating her in a unique 3D universe while respecting all the character’s personality and bringing a modern look & feel to the table.

Popota 2024 - Never Stop Playing - Nunca deixes de brincar - Nebula Studios

Meet the sidekicks!

This year’s adventure shines even brighter with three new characters joining Popota on her magical journey:

  • P!nk: The fierce Warrior Princess with an unbreakable spirit and her flying gadget.
  • Reddie: The scarlet-colored, big-hearted dog who’s always ready for action.
  • Poppy: The larger-than-life, self-proclaimed… clumsy….”hero” dude.

Together, they form a dynamic team that brings Popota’s world to life in new, exciting ways.

It’s all about Family

At its core, this story is about the timeless bond between a little girl and her father, playing together after unwrapping their Christmas presents. It’s a scene that embodies the spirit of Christmas. The setting was a beautiful, cozy living room bathed in the warm glow of a late afternoon sun, where the magic of play unfolded.

 

As we captured the playful moments on set, we realized that this film wasn’t just about toys and adventures—a reminder that play knows no boundaries—and no matter how old we get, we should never stop playing. Because, after all, the greatest gift of all is the joy we find in each other’s company.

Behind The Scenes

Get an exclusive look at how every detail was envisioned, designed, and captured to bring Popota’s adventure to life.

From crafting the intricate 3D worlds like the Desert, Jungle, and iconic video and board games, to the seamless integration of live-action scenes, we kept everything aligned with the director’s vision, staying true to the 3D animatics.

Full Credits

Client: Continente
Production Consulting: Proud Solutions
Agency: FUEL

Executive Producer: João Marcos Marchante
Production Director: Liliana Ramires
Account: Liliana Ramires
Project Management: Liliana Ramires, Guilherme Afonso
Directors: Guilherme Afonso, Miguel Madaíl de Freitas

DOP: Tomás Brice
1AD: Paulo “Bilu” Rebelo
Steady Cam: Emanuel Garcia
Art Director: Carla Brazão
Styling: Diana Pereira
Make up: Clara Carvalho
Casting: Netcast

3D Lead & Supervising: Miguel Madaíl de Freitas
Characters Concept: Hygor Domingues
Characters Modeling: João Sousa
Rigging: Danilo Pinheiro
Layout: Miguel Madaíl de Freitas
3D Animation: Álvaro Carrasco Merino, David Omair Martín, Mario Cordon, Susana Barata, Miguel Madaíl de Freitas
Modeling: Emanuel Raimundo, João Jacinto, Miguel Madaíl de Freitas
Scene Assembly: Emanuel Raimundo, Miguel Madaíl de Freitas, Romeo Costa
Lookdev & Rendering: Miguel Madaíl de Freitas
Compositing & 3D Grading: Guilherme Afonso, Miguel Madaíl de Freitas
Edit: Guilherme Afonso
Grading Live Action: Paulo Inês | Lightfilm

Sound Effects: Indigo
Music: João André
OST: Ana Castela “Nosso quadro”

Nebula Studios

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