Creative Brief

In Wonders of the Moon, comedian and science communicator Dara Ó Briain takes viewers on a two-part journey into the story of our closest celestial neighbour, exploring the moon’s origins, phases, and influence on life on Earth. BBC Studios tasked Little Shadow with creating accessible, visually engaging graphics that could support the science without interrupting the series’ tone: elegant, observational, and grounded in real-world locations.

Our Approach

Our brief was clear: design a suite of graphics that could explain the science simply, while integrating seamlessly into live-action segments. We developed a visual language centred around clean lines, bold iconography, and restrained animation. The goal was clarity without distraction.

Working in After Effects, we created animated sequences that explained lunar phases, gravitational effects, orbital dynamics, and tides. These animations were carefully embedded within footage of featured landscapes, overlaying visuals atop beaches, hills, and night skies as Dara guided the narrative.

The graphics maintained a limited colour palette to harmonise with the show’s cinematography, and were paced to match the calm, informative delivery style of the presenter. All elements were delivered in layered templates, allowing for adjustments throughout the editorial process.

The Results

Wonders of the Moon with Dara Ó Briain aired to a strong public and critical reception, with Little Shadow’s graphics praised for enhancing the science without overwhelming the storytelling. Our work supported a balance of accessibility and aesthetic simplicity, serving as a visual companion to Dara’s signature blend of curiosity and clarity.