To celebrate ten years of the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, SUUM Studio created a dynamic 3D animated explainer and title sequence, showcasing the award’s impact on Scotland’s creative industries. Commissioned by Inner Ear for BBC Scotland, the animation captures a decade of achievements, iconic artists, and the award’s deep connection to Scotland’s arts scene.

Using the award’s signature hexagonal motif, we designed a floating mobile of interconnected hexagons, each representing a key moment from 2012 to 2021. As they rotated, they revealed:

• 3D models of the bespoke SAY Award trophies, handcrafted annually by Scottish designers.

• Live event footage, celebrating the energy and significance of each year’s ceremony.

• Meticulously detailed 3D models of iconic venues, including Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Paisley Town Hall, Film City Glasgow, and the legendary Barrowland Ballroom.

Rendered with photoreal materials, our animation blends polished metal, vibrant neon lighting, and translucent textures, reflecting the bold, contemporary spirit of Scotland’s music scene. More than just an explainer, the piece serves as a standalone cinematic tribute, honouring the award’s decade-long commitment to amplifying Scottish music talent.

Watch the documentary on BBC iPlayer

Find out more about the Scottish Album of the Year Award