BBC’s Euro 2025 Spot Brings the World to Life in Stop-Motion
The BBC has unveiled its official campaign for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, turning to the handcrafted artistry of stop-motion animation to capture the scale, drama, and joy of the tournament. Produced by Blinkink in collaboration with BBC Creative, and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nicos Livesey, the 40-second spot titled “Names Will Be Made” delivers a vibrant claymation celebration of women’s football.
Hand-Crafted Clay Worlds
The film begins in the serene landscapes of Switzerland, host nation for Euro 2025, before erupting into a kaleidoscope of clay-animated energy. Over 100 kilos of clay were used, with model and set construction taking seven weeks and filming completed over 13 days.
Each sequence pays tribute to the players who have defined the women’s game. England’s Lucy Bronze emerges as a towering defensive fortress, Wales’ Jess Fishlock blazes across the screen as a fireball, while Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger, and England’s Lauren James appear in equally bold and playful visual metaphors.
A Celebration of Craft and Culture
Director Nicos Livesey and the Blinkink team worked closely with a crew of stop-motion specialists including animators Steve Warne, Mark Wearing, Andy Biddle, Laura Tofarides, and Honor Price. Puppets were designed and built by Nathan Flynn and team, with Matthew Day serving as Director of Photography.
The animation is underscored by a pulsing soundtrack: the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ iconic track “Heads Will Roll.” The combination of music, hand-made visuals, and clever metaphor reflects both the power and artistry of the players and the unique energy of the Women’s Euros.
Closing the Fame Gap
The BBC’s campaign highlights not only the spectacle of Euro 2025, but also the cultural shift in women’s sport. By placing stop-motion at the heart of the campaign, the spot underscores the craft, effort, and imagination behind the women’s game, while celebrating the personalities who will define the tournament.
“Names Will Be Made” will roll out across BBC platforms in the lead-up to and during the championship, cementing stop-motion’s role as a bold, contemporary medium for global sporting celebration.
