Neon Zoo

Now feels like a good time to revisit one of our collaborations with ShotAtLife. One of the highlights of this project was the character design process (shout out to the amazing Luiz Stockler for his adorable designs!). It involved a lot of experimentation—finding the perfect balance between pushing creative boundaries and ensuring the message resonates with the audience. By working closely with ShotAtLife to understand their needs and vision, we were able to craft characters that deeply connect and support the core message of vaccine advocacy. Storytelling is a powerful tool for advocacy, especially when it comes to critical issues like vaccine access. We love partnering with organizations to amplify their mission through thoughtful storytelling. What are some ways you've seen storytelling enhance advocacy efforts in today's climate? ? CREDITS ? Director: Elyse Kelly Writer & Producer: Dan Fipphen Art director & Animator: Luiz Stockler Voice over: Bev Standing Sound design & mix: Chris Mastellone #NeonZoo #WeAreNeonZoo #AnimationStudio #WomenInFilm #ShotAtLife

This is an appreciation post for our friends over at Procreate! We loved working with Dreams for our Hidden Brain social campaign. It allowed us to be nimble with quick turnarounds while giving us the creative flexibility we needed to tell the stories in the best way possible. Now, if only we could find a way to visit their offices in Tasmania—maybe trick them into letting us stay for a while! It looks like a dream there (oh... WE GET IT NOW) ? CREDITS ? Director: Elyse Kelly Art director: Angela Hsieh Animator: Mithra Krishnan #NeonZoo #WeAreNeonZoo #AnimationStudio #WomenInFilm #ImpactStorytelling #StoriesThatMatter

Reminder for our Chicago friends! Elyse Kelly is speaking at Frame By Frame tomorrow at 1 PM—don’t miss it! ???

It's time for another installment of #NeonZooFilmClub! This month, we’re diving into "Love" by Réka Bucsi. What we adore about this film is how it beautifully captures the joy and complexity of relationships through a unique, non-linear narrative filled with whimsical characters. Bucsi’s experimental approach is super enticing to those of us on the team who naturally lean towards more traditional narrative structure. Each frame feels like a visual poem, and we can't get enough. We love "Love." What do you think??

Thought it was a great time to reintroduce our fearless leader, Elyse Kelly! Elyse is an award-winning director and producer with a passion for human-centered stories. With expertise in both animation and traditional documentary filmmaking, she brings a distinctive perspective to her work, seamlessly blending unapologetic animated visuals with thoughtful nonfiction storytelling. Elyse's work has earned accolades and been showcased at festivals worldwide, including Sundance, Tribeca, Annecy, Zagreb, and OIAF. She's directed award-winning campaigns and content for clients such as Netflix, the ACLU, The Atlantic, Sesame Workshop, Sony Music, the United Nations Foundation, and Meow Wolf. Elyse founded Neon Zoo because she recognized a genuine need for stories that inspire change, all told through the vibrant lens of animation. When she’s not at the studio, she’s sharing her love of the medium with students at Georgetown University! (Did we mention it all started with a mouse?...) #NeonZoo #WeAreNeonZoo #AnimationStudio #WomenInFilm #ImpactStorytelling #StoriesThatMatter

Sometimes, you just have to treat yourself—especially in tough times. A little ?main character energy? can go a long way. Whether it’s a fresh blowout, a scoop of ice cream, or just taking a moment for yourself, don’t forget to recharge. You deserve it. ? CREDITS ? Director: Complex Featuring Jonathan Fernandez & Shea Couleé Animation director: Elyse Kelly Production company: Mighty Oak Art director: Anna Bron Animators: Anna Bron, Andrew Whyte Titles: Sabrina Chaney Editors: Dan Fipphen, Elyse Kelly Sound design & mix: Anthony Galante #SelfCareButMakeItCinematic #NeonZoo #WeAreNeonZoo #AnimationStudio #WomenInFilm

We talk a lot about giving people a platform to share their stories. But storytelling isn’t just about words. Back in film school, we learned to let the visuals do the heavy lifting, not to lean on dialogue as a crutch. That lesson has stuck with us. A glance, a gesture, a visual metaphor—sometimes, those quiet moments say the most. Some of the most powerful scenes in film happen in "silence." What’s a moment in film that moved you without saying a single word? ? CREDITS ? Director & Producer: Elyse Kelly Art director & Animator: Amy Lee Ketchum Music: Brooke Blair & Will Blair Sound design & mix: Chris Mastellone #NeonZoo #WeAreNeonZoo #AnimationStudio #WomenInFilm #ImpactStorytelling #StoriesThatMatter

Today, we're taking a look back at this delightfully characterful pitch we did featuring a sassy 30-something year old dodo bird. She's stylish, in a band, and may or may not own some sporty tracksuits. David Navas did this incredible concept art for the pitch, and Elyse Kelly led the charge! #NeonZoo #WeAreNeonZoo #AnimationStudio #WomenInFilm #ImpactStorytelling #StoriesThatMatter

Nine years ago, I sent my first film crew abroad—to Jordan for a project with USAID. I had no idea then how much that experience would shape the work I do today—telling stories that connect us, that shine a light on social justice and cause-driven work. USAID isn’t just about aid. It’s about human dignity. It’s about fostering progress, global cooperation, and a more just, stable world—not through force, but through support, collaboration, and opportunity. The current administration is actively dismantling decades of progress, rolling back programs that save lives and build a better future. It’s frustrating, infuriating, and completely unacceptable. So today, I’m sharing that first film—because this work matters. The stories we tell matter. But most of all, the lives impacted by this work matter. #SaveForeignAid #StandWithUSAID ? Film produced by GoodFight Media with a special shoutout to Kelly Ramundo whose passion and dedication knows no bounds ?

Starting TODAY, we’re kicking off a new series: #NeonZooFilmClub. The last Thursday of every month, we’ll share one of our favorite animated pieces—old or new. We thought it would be fun to show everyone why we love this medium so much. We’re already fighting over which films to feature (too many good ones!), but kicking things off is easy: Hedgehog in the Fog by the incomparable Yuri Norstein. This cutout-style classic may seem simple at first glance, but it’s incredibly expressive, balancing innocence with surprising depth that reveals new layers of meaning every time you watch. It’s a film that stays with you. Have you seen it? If not, now’s the perfect time ??