Newby Teas’ A Winter’s Tale Animated Shoft Film
This Christmas, journey to China during the Song Dynasty, where the timeless ritual of tea meets the magic of human creativity. Created by Kippik Studio for Newby Teas, this festive animated short film celebrates the beauty of tradition, craftsmanship and togetherness.
The Story
It is the beginning of winter in the Song Dynasty. Snow falls softly upon a pagoda, wintersweet begins to blossom, and guests gather over a warm cup of tea.
Through snow-covered mountains, peaceful lakes and traditional Chinese gardens, the film takes us on a journey inspired by the rich heritage of tea.
For centuries, tea has brought people together, offering moments of warmth and connection through the changing seasons. Generations pass, yet the tradition endures.
The festive film celebrates this timeless ritual and the simple beauty of being together.
A Celebration of Human Creativity
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, we chose to celebrate something deeply human: the art of creating by hand.
Just as the finest tea leaves are carefully hand-picked, every illustration in our film has been crafted with patience, imagination and attention to detail.
For Kippik Studio, hand-drawn illustration is more than a technique. Expressive lines, subtle textures and small imperfections give each scene its character.
Fine tea and animation share a respect for craftsmanship, patience and the art of creating by hand.
Behind the Scenes
Every scene begins with a sketch. Inspired by traditional Chinese ink painting and watercolour, our artists explored the architecture, landscapes and botanical details of the Song Dynasty.
From the first pencil drawings to the final coloured illustrations, each composition was developed with delicate linework, soft textures and a palette of winter blues, warm reds and gentle pinks.
Snow-covered branches, stone bridges, traditional pavilions and blossoming flowers gradually took shape before being brought to life through animation.
The result brings together traditional illustration and contemporary animation to celebrate the artistry behind every frame.
