New Orleans is Sinking

Creative Brief

“Killer Whale Tank” — Visual Storytelling

This project brings to life Gord Downie’s legendary “Killer Whale Tank” rant, improvised during The Tragically Hip’s iconic performance at the Roxy in Los Angeles on May 3, 1991.

During a live rendition of “New Orleans Is Sinking,” Downie launched into a raw, stream-of-consciousness narrative—unfiltered, urgent, and electric. Our goal was to translate that spontaneous energy into a visual language that felt just as alive.

Through a sequence of illustrations designed to flow seamlessly together, we created a visualizer that amplifies the movement, adrenaline, and emotional intensity of the moment—honouring both the story and the spirit of Downie’s performance, while allowing audiences to experience it in a new, visceral way.

Client

The Tragically Hip

Services

Animatic, Visualizer, Illustrations

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