Meet Crop Protector Gilles

VLAM

TL;DR
We turned Integrated Pest Management into a vibrant, comic-style explainer video that made sustainable farming easy to understand and fun to watch.

In short

Sustainable farming doesn’t have to feel like homework. For VLAM’s “Helden van onze Velden” (Heroes of our Fields”) campaign, we created a lively, comic-style animation that broke down the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) into something everyone could understand and enjoy. 

The challenge

Integrated Pest Management might sound dry, but its impact is anything but. The challenge was to take this technical concept and translate it into an accessible, engaging format. We needed to make the science behind IPM clear and relevant, all while ensuring the tone stayed light and inviting.

The insight

Sustainability and IPM may rely on technology and strategy, but it’s ultimately about people. By introducing Gilles, the Crop Protector, we gave IPM a human face. This personal touch made a technical subject feel approachable and engaging, creating a bridge between complex science and everyday practice.

The outcome

Gilles turned IPM into an accessible, memorable story. The animation brought sustainability to life with relatable charm, sparking curiosity among farmers and families alike. The campaign made IPM personal, showing how small changes can make a big difference in the fields and beyond.

In numbers

In detail

This animation was part of the broader “Helden van onze Velden”-campaign, in which we highlighted the innovative and sustainable practices of Flemish farmers, read more about the three year campaign in our case.

Integrated Pest Management has a lot of moving parts: prevention, observation, and action. To make these concepts resonate, we introduced Gilles, the Crop Protector. He’s not a scientist or a superhero. Just a knowledgeable, approachable farmer who walks viewers through the sustainable farming journey.

In the animation, Gilles explained how resilient crops are chosen, how fields are monitored with high-tech tools, and how natural solutions like ladybugs or UV-C light robots are the first line of defense against pests. Only when absolutely necessary does Gilles turn to chemical solutions. And always with precision and care.

Our process for a comic explainer video starts with character design and storyboarding on paper, outlining the narrative and scene flow. After approval, we refine the character digitally, define colors and expressions, and prepare it for animation.

The motion designer rigs the character for flexible movement, while the illustrator creates all scenes and backgrounds, layering moving and static elements separately.

Finally, in motion design everything is combined, motions are added, effects, and textures, delivering a visually engaging explainer video.

The visual style is colorful and comic-inspired, striking the perfect balance between informative and entertaining. Gilles’ gentle tone, complete with a Flemish accent in voice-over, added authenticity and warmth, making the technical details easy to follow. 

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