Let Fun In

Inflatable Chicken Costumes & Practical SFX for “Let Fun In”

MACHINESHOP teamed up with Wonderhood Studios and Smuggler London to bring life, energy, and a massive dose of spontaneity to Three UK’s bold brand platform, “Let Fun In.” Directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Lucy Forbes and framed by Director of Photography Rob Hardy, this highly viral 60-second ad highlights how telecom networks encourage audiences to step away from their routine and embrace unforgettable moments.

The core of the commercial features talented 11-year-old figure skater Katarina Suemnig hitting the ice to a high-energy soundtrack. With the press of a belt button, she deploys a massive, fully custom-built inflatable chicken costume that pops up seamlessly around her as she skates.

To pull off this complex physical feat on ice, MACHINESHOP’s workshop delivered:

• Bespoke Prop Engineering: We designed, developed, and fabricated nine identical custom inflatable chicken suits. The suits were carefully engineered to inflate quickly via integrated mechanics while maintaining lightweight properties so the skater could execute complex jumps, glides, and choreography flawlessly on the rink.
• High-Powered Wind Effects: To emphasize the speed, motion, and chaotic fun of the shoot, our special effects team utilized heavy-duty grain blowers and wind machines to dynamically control airflow and maximize the costume’s movement on camera.
• On-Set Practical SFX Management: Working closely alongside Production Designer Andy Kelly, our technicians managed real-time practical effects to guarantee consistent, safe, and visually striking performance takes during a demanding physical schedule on real ice.