Transparency International, the anti-corruption non-profit, teamed up with a group of international analysts and journalists to uncover a huge corruption case named the Bottle Laundromat. The aim of this explainer video was to clearly and engagingly explain the whole case, and describe how money laundering works.
Between 2014 and 2016, an intricate scheme laundered over $820 million (20+ billion CZK) through overpriced PET bottle equipment purchases, channeling illegal funds into the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Lithuania, the UK, and beyond. In 2022, anti-corruption NGO Transparency International CZ joined international analysts and journalists to expose this massive scheme, known as the Bottle Laundromat.
To help the public make sense of this intricate web of regulatory bodies, offshore bankers, and government elites, I created an educational illustrated explainer video designed for TI’s website, social media, and awareness campaigns.
The Creative Process & Workflow
Starting from the concept and script drafted by Transparency International, I took care of the complete art direction, visual design, and animation:
1️⃣ Style Exploration & Moodboarding: I started by preparing a moodboard with various visual directions, from which the team chose and approved a clean, vector style for the illustrated animation.
2️⃣ Storyboard & Narrative Flow: I created a detailed storyboard mapping out the narrative frame by frame, allowing us to align on how to visually break down complex money-laundering mechanics step-by-step.
3️⃣ Style Frames & Visual Design: Next, I designed key style frames to establish and get final approval on the precise look and feel of the characters, environments, and overall color palette.
4️⃣ Animation, Voiceover & Sound Design: With the visual direction locked in, I animated the scenes in After Effects. Martina Foldynová (host of TI’s Stošestka podcast) recorded the voiceover, which I synchronized alongside custom sound design, background music, and open captions for full accessibility.
Why This Approach Works for Clients
Custom vector illustration combined with 2D motion design is the gold standard for investigative, educational, and corporate explainers:
🟣 Simplifying Complex Systems: Abstract financial fraud, legal networks, or technical concepts are easily broken down into clear, visual metaphors.
🟣 Bespoke Visual Identity: Custom illustrations ensure the video aligns precisely with the brand's tone, steering clear of generic stock graphics.
🟣 Maximum Retention & Reach: Visual storytelling paired with clear sound design and captions dramatically increases audience engagement and retention on social media.
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🔊 This video was made for the Czech branch of Transparency International. For English translation please turn the English subtitles on.
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