Mayo native leads international team to bring ambitious animated series to life
A group of talented creatives from across the fields of animation and film have come together to bring a passion project over six years in the making to fruition. New Earth, an ambitious 2D animated series, is now entering production, led by Westport native Ariadna Gómez-Kelly alongside a team of over 30 animators, creators, and producers under the banner of Hekate Tales Ltd.
The project, which has already raised over £2,000 within 24 hours of launching on the crowdfunding platform Greenlit, is a labour of love for Ariadna and co-creator Andra Placintescu.
Together, they’ve envisioned a post-apocalyptic world brimming with mystery, retro sci-fi aesthetics, and complex storytelling. The project is also supported by producer Beata Jamroziak, whose expertise has helped propel Hekate Tales as a champion for authentic representation and innovative storytelling in the animation industry.
Set in a dystopian future on a planet ravaged by radiation, alien invasions, and technological upheavals, New Earth introduces audiences to Nirvana—a brutalist metropolis crowned as the pseudo-capital of the scattered territory of Ocellus.
Amid the neon-lit chaos and occult undercurrents of this retro-futuristic city, a missing persons case sparks the beginning of an intricate conspiracy.
The series, which embraces the complexity of its characters and themes, aims to rekindle the magic of 2D animation for adult audiences. Drawing inspiration from online hits like Hazbin Hotel and Lackadaisy, New Earth targets animation enthusiasts, mystery lovers, and fans of rich, layered storytelling.
Ariadna, who grew up in Westport before moving to London in 2020 to study film, has long been a fixture in the creative community, with her work previously featured in the Connaught Telegraph.
Her co-creator, Andra Placintescu, brings her expertise in illustration and animation, while also infusing the story with her unique perspective shaped by her upbringing in Eastern Europe.
Hekate Tales Ltd., the production company Ariadna co-founded with Beata in 2023, was created with a mission to foster authentic representation and provide a platform for creators in the animation industry. “We wanted to be the change we wished to see,” Ariadna shared.
Recognising the high costs of producing 2D animation—voice casting, music, and specialised software—the team has turned to Greenlit to fund the pilot episode. The project not only showcases the team’s passion but also invites the animation community to be part of its creation.
Supporters can choose from a variety of rewards and tokens of appreciation, with all proceeds going towards bringing New Earth to life.
Even if unable to donate, supporters are encouraged to spread the word about the project. “This is how the story begins,” Ariadna says, urging fans to share the project on digital platforms.
For more details and to support the project, visit their Greenlit page and make a contribution to support a fantastic artistic project.