How Do You Make Two Global Brands Shine in One Animated TVC?
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Since its debut, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir has grown into one of the world's most beloved animated franchises. Airing in over 150 countries and generating billions of views across digital platforms, the series has captivated audiences of all ages worldwide. As its popularity continues to grow, Ladybug and Cat Noir have transcended the screen to become global pop culture icons, beloved by fans across generations.
Building on the success of the original series, Miraculous Chibi was created as a lighthearted spin-off that reimagines familiar characters in adorable chibi form through a collection of energetic and humorous short stories. Set within this colorful miniature world, MIRACULOUS CHIBI | WATT A DREAM DATE! was developed as a TV commercial collaboration between the Miraculous brand and global automotive manufacturer BYD, bringing together a world-famous animated IP and an internationally recognized car brand in a unique crossover.
For DeeDee Animation Studio, this was far more than a typical commercial project. Being entrusted by the IP owner to handle the background and animation for characters already beloved by audiences around the world was both an honor and a significant challenge. Our goal was not simply to make the characters move, but to preserve the personality, charm, and spirit that have made the Miraculous franchise so successful.
Project Information
Project: MIRACULOUS CHIBI | WATT A DREAM DATE!
Client: Miraculous Corp.
Category: TV Commercial (TVC)
Year: 2025
Scope of Work: Background & Animation
The Challenge of Working with a Beloved IP and a Global Brand
Working with an IP loved by millions of fans always comes with high expectations. Audiences are already familiar with the way Ladybug and Cat Noir move, express themselves, and interact with one another. Even the smallest inconsistency can make the experience feel less authentic.
At the same time, the project was also a collaboration with BYD, a global automotive brand with its own high standards for product representation. The TVC therefore had to strike a careful balance between two objectives: staying faithful to the identity of the Miraculous universe while effectively showcasing the appeal and value of BYD's vehicle.
The project's director also serves as a Background Supervisor on the Miraculous series, meaning that every visual detail was held to the same high standards as the original production.
Many of the film's settings were inspired by real-world locations in Paris. As a result, the background team was tasked not only with maintaining the distinctive visual style of Miraculous Chibi, but also with carefully researching and capturing the unique atmosphere and character of the French capital.
One of the most demanding aspects of the project involved the sequences featuring the BYD vehicle. To achieve a sense of motion that felt smooth, accurate, and full of energy, the team needed to seamlessly combine 2D and 3D animation techniques, ensuring that viewers would barely notice the transition between the two.
The Solution
From the very beginning of the project, the DeeDee team invested significant time in studying style frames and reference materials provided by the client.
A detailed visual guideline system was developed, covering everything from texture treatment, color palettes, and line work to the specific brush settings used for different background elements. This process helped maintain visual consistency throughout the entire TVC while preserving the distinctive look and feel that Miraculous fans have come to recognize and love.
To meet the technical demands of the vehicle shots, DeeDee partnered with Vexa Studio to integrate 3D solutions into the production process.
Vexa Studio developed the 3D vehicle models and provided hands-on Blender workshops for the DeeDee team throughout production. By working closely together, the two teams were able to establish an efficient workflow and create vehicle animation that was both technically precise and naturally integrated into the 2D world of Miraculous Chibi.
As a result, collaborating with DeeDee means more than working with a standalone animation studio. Through our network of trusted production partners and specialized expertise, clients gain access to a flexible and scalable ecosystem capable of meeting a wide range of creative and technical challenges.
Results
The completed TVC was released on Miraculous' official YouTube channel, bringing the project directly to the franchise's worldwide audience.
Beyond the positive response from viewers, the project also earned strong appreciation from both BYD and Miraculous Corp. The positive feedback received from their leadership teams, as well as the potential for future collaborations, reflects the care and craftsmanship invested in every stage of production.
For DeeDee Animation Studio, every project is a chance to bring stories to life through animation. Being entrusted with characters that already hold a special place in the hearts of millions of fans around the world made this project a particularly meaningful one.
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