COD SAVE THE QUEEN
A superbly crafted ai-video mockumentary

The self-described queen of inflatables hola.rit.ai and 50labs.ai has turned the British tradition of fish and chips into a hilarious tale of resistance.

by @PerfectaGala
March 2025

In the first episode, hola.rit.ai and 50labs.ai use the surreal fluidity of generative AI video animation to tell the story of a community’s fight against the closure of their local chipper, Big Dave’s Codfather, tapping into a core element of British culture.

Fish and chips are a staple of British life, deeply embedded in the nation’s history and identity. Since the 19th century, this humble dish, made from North Sea fish and affordable potatoes, has been a symbol of national pride, appearing in literature, film, and everyday conversation. Much like British humor, known for its dry, deadpan delivery, fish and chips offer a no-frills, comforting experience that doesn’t need to be flashy to be satisfying.

The video is packed with delightful visuals that perfectly match the humor, introducing a series of characters rendered in rit.ai’s signature inflatable style. Big Dave, Keeper of The Fryer, has been running his London chippy for 30 years, but now his beloved shop is being replaced by a vegan bistro. (As a cockroach scuttles across the counter, passing a plate of chips), Big Dave moans, “Something about modernizing the high street. Modernize my ass! What am I supposed to do with all this batter?”

The locals, however, have no interest in quinoa fritters or kalebabs, and their culinary skills leave much to be desired. Shaz, the Mom of Five and Leopard Print Queen, quips, “Peel the potato? Peel it? Bloody hell, it’s not a banana!” Frustrated, she takes to the streets, proudly waving a “Save the Chippy” sign.

She’s joined by Lewis, an inept footballer, and Nana June, the wheelchair-bound voice of the estate. Together, they rally with signs that boldly declare, “Cod Over Kale.” The protest gains momentum when local rappers with street cred, rocking Nike gear and cool bikes, join in.

“Why ain’t you heard the news?
Our chippie gettin’ booted,
Vegan bistro up the road,
Codfather’s gotta hit the road.
They say it’s all for health,
But mate, we need that fried wealth.”

Their posse of dancers includes gold-headed figures, local kids, and inflatable fish—all fighting for their chipper. The fish, of course, are fighting to be enjoyed as dinner, not tossed into a vegan wrap.

The video is a delightful 2.53 minutes long, nailing an authentic London vibe while perfectly capturing the mock rap style with humor and tone. My favorite line comes from Lewis: “How I’m supposed to be the next Beckham without a protein? Cod, chips, and mushy peas. That’s what powers the greats. First the chippy, then what? You think Beckham made it on salad? Nah, bruv. That’s betrayal of the game.” The scene cuts to a poster of the slim, handsome Beckham with a “Thumbs Down for Salad” caption. Football, a cornerstone of British culture, is just as essential to life as fish and chips, both fueling the nation’s pride and daily routine.

The video ends on a cliffhanger as we eagerly await part 2. Lewis kicks a ball into the notice of redevelopment outside the chippy, which drops to reveal that demolition is set for just one week. 

This expertly crafted AI-generated video stands out with its clever scripting and high production values. Every visual detail is meticulously designed, complemented by tight editing, vibrant animation, and polished sound design. The result is a seamless, engaging experience that pushes the boundaries of AI-driven content creation while providing both entertainment and innovation.