Koala collaborated with Penguin to produce a vibrant and flavour-packed TV commercial for What I Ate In One Year, the latest book by acclaimed actor, writer, and culinary enthusiast Stanley Tucci. Designed to reflect Tucci’s signature warmth, wit, and passion for food, the animated commercial brought the book’s rich narrative to life through a lively mix of illustration, bold typography, and expressive motion design. Built for national broadcast and digital cutdowns, the spot captured the tone and rhythm of the book while celebrating the pleasures of eating, storytelling, and memory.

Using a combination of supplied visual assets, illustrations, and playful animated typography, Koala created a distinctive visual language that mirrored the energy and intimacy of Tucci’s writing. Each sequence was carefully crafted to reflect the flavour and texture of the stories told in the book, from decadent dinners and travel-inspired plates to humorous food mishaps and family traditions. The design was guided by a modern aesthetic with nostalgic touches, echoing both Tucci’s cinematic charm and his culinary point of view.

The animation was paired with carefully curated music and a bespoke sound design that added richness and rhythm to the storytelling. Every detail, from the flick of a knife to the sizzle of a pan, was woven into the soundscape to enhance the sensory feel of the spot. The result was a campaign that didn’t just describe the experience of the book, it felt like it tasted. Koala also handled all post-production and delivery for TV and digital platforms, ensuring the commercial met broadcast standards and performed seamlessly across formats.

This project demonstrated Koala’s expertise in animation-driven TV commercial production, illustration-based storytelling, and working with high-profile talent in the publishing space. By blending supplied assets with custom design and thoughtful audio, we created a campaign that captured the spirit of Stanley Tucci and made What I Ate In One Year irresistible to book lovers, food fans, and audiences across television and online media.