Logorama—an animated short by French collective H5—explores the importance and omnipresence of brands in society. Written and edited as a veritable action flick—with spectacular chase scenes, a hostage situation, and a series of natural disasters that destroy Los Angeles—the film is unique in the sense that it is entirely made up of American and international companies’ logos. Over 2,500 logos were featured on the film’s buildings, cars, people, and animals—without permission.

While their film isn’t necessarily a straight-up criticism of our consumer society, filmmakers (and graphic designers) François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy and Ludovic Houplain wanted to open the debate on the fact that it’s fair game to poke fun at celebrities, yet brands remain untouchable. The film’s fate is uncertain. It has been nominated for a 2010 Academy Award (in the Short Film (Animated) category), but it’s still possible that one of the companies featured in Logorama won’t be amused and will ask to be removed from the film.

For the moment however, the film is revelling in media and festival attention. It has already garnered many awards, including the 2009 Prix Découverte Kodak at the Semaine de la Critique Cannes, and continues to make waves wherever it goes. It remains to be seen whether they’ll bring that little golden statue back to France on March 7 . . .

Update: Logorama walks off with the Oscar! While Nick Park was the favourite for his animated short Wallace & Gromit in ′A Matter of Loaf and Death′, the Academy surprisingly—though I’m personally quite pleased to see my fellow graphic designers snatch up this prestigious award—bestowed the award for Best Animated Short Film on Logorama. The film’s producer accepted the award on behalf of the team and, in his moving acceptance speech, promised to be back in thirty-six years to accept the Oscar for their future feature-length film!

Interview with the filmmakers (in French only):