Convert Goes Underground in Stop-Motion Promo for BBC America

Convert Goes Underground in Stop-Motion Promo for BBC America
Directorial collective Convert has created a :30 promo and show open for "The Underground", a new programming block on BBC America.

The spot uses quirky stop-motion animation to tell the surreal story of a rabbit and its rival - a mushroom - as they compete to see who can burrow underground the fastest.

Both "The Underground" programming block, which features classic British soaps and popular new series like "Footballers' Wives" and the Convert-directed promo, broke on BBC America March 23rd.

The promo opens on a seemingly innocent mushroom in a tranquil field.

The vibrant colors and pseudo-realistic environment create a retro, seventies-era feel.

A bunny-type puppet, which looks as if it was made out of a white knitted glove (with two "fingers" for its long ears, two "fingers" for arms, and a set for feet), hops into view, and takes out a stopwatch from within a zipper pocket in its chest.

Suddenly, the race is on, and the rabbit digs furiously away.

The unassuming mushroom has a few tricks up its sleeve however, and drills into the earth, jack-hammer-style.

Along the way, they burrow past bizarre objects, including a child's doll and a pair of snapping dentures, until the rabbit hits a brick wall - literally - giving the mushroom valuable lead-time as it wins the race.