For Ted 2, the sequel to the blockbuster Ted, Tippett Studio once again pushed the boundary between live action footage and CGI character animation.

Sporting an array of costumes in a variety of environments, the notion that Ted is a digital creation quickly fades into the background. To audiences, he is as real as thunder-buddy-for-life Mark Wahlberg.

A particular set of challenges in achieving emotional believability with Ted’s character revolved around the limitations imposed by the simplicity of his facial features. Working with only two beady eyes, a pair of eyebrows and a mouth, Tippett’s animators were able to produce a thoroughly absorbing performance with a galaxy of emotions, running the gamut from apoplectic rage to heartfelt gratitude.

From the opening Busby Berkeley-style musical number to going mano-a-mano with Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman, Ted dominates the screen through a perfect blending of tour de force vocal performance and brilliant keyframe animation.