Creative concept studio Solid was recently approached by Electronic Arts (EA) and its BioWare division to work on two initiatives, which debuted at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The first was a VFX trailer announcing the March 2012 release of action RPG “Mass Effect 3,” one of BioWare’s most successful game franchises, and the second was a comprehensive graphics package for the game developer’s new web-based network, BioWare TV, and video game show “Pulse.” nnFor the “Mass Effect 3” trailer, Solid’s mission was to create an iconic way of opening and closing the gameplay-driven piece – signature animations that would be used for all upcoming trailers. Taking general design concepts and looks provided by the client, Solid crafted the look of the Omni-Blade, a tech blade worn by protagonist Commander Shepard around his wrist, visualizing it as a fiery hologram that moves into the EA and BioWare logo. For the signature closing animation, the artists created an epic VFX shot of Reaper alien ships barreling down toward Earth, which transitions to the “Mass Effect 3” logo.nn
Mass Effect 3 Close from SOLID on Vimeo.
“The trailer shows the climactic events leading to an alien attack, which call on Commander Shepard and his crew to save Earth,” explains Jason Ett, Solid Creative Director. “We took end-game elements, and evolved the characters and spaceships to give them a more cinematic feel. We’re most proud of the closing Earth shot, which was complex and gorgeously visualized by our artists, and could have been straight out of a feature film.”nnThe trailer incorporated a combination of 2D, 3D, character animation and effects compositing using Flame, Maya, After Effects, and Photoshop.nnThe second initiative was a show package for BioWare TV, a new web-based network, and “Pulse,” a show on all things BioWare including developer interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses at its video game titles. Solid created a grand animation to introduce the BioWare TV network, and developed a high-energy graphics package and look for “Pulse.”nn"Our collaboration with the BioWare team really helped push the initial concepts to the next level,” concludes Shane Zucker, Solid Creative Director. “Through several rounds of refinement, our artists found the perfect balance of impact and brand communication. The result was an energized identity and launch for a compelling new-media destination.”nn
Bioware Pulse Open from SOLID on Vimeo.
nCreditsnnClient: EA GamesnnProjects: Bioware “Pulse” graphics package & “Mass Effect 3” theatrical trailer and intro/outro animationsnnVFX & Design Company: Solid / Santa Monica, CA nCreative Directors – Jason Ett, Shane ZuckernAD / Designer / Compositor / Animator – Tommy WoohnCG Lead – Damon Snyder nFlame – Gizmo Rivera, Chris HawkinsnDesigner / Animator / Compositor – Paul YehnAnimator – Sarah BlanknCompositors – Dan Blank, Aaron Knapp n3D Modeling / Animation – Yas Koyaman3D Lighting / Rendering – Chris Barischoff nAfter Effects Animator – Brent StangelnCG Particles – Ian Mankowski, John Cherniak nCharacter Animator – James Jones, Christian ArguetanDesigners – Freda Lau, Angela Zhu, Paul Lee nExecutive Producer – Drew BourneufnProducer – Jake HiblernnAbout SolidnEmbracing new forms of collaboration and technology, Solid is a creative concept company that produces content for commercials, music videos, films and experiential projects. Whether an idea requires a precise execution or abstract treatment, Solid delivers solutions that are inspired, engaging and thought-provoking. Its team of creative thinkers, directors, designers, editors and artists bring together eclectic schools of thought to communicate ideas in empowering and unexpected ways. Recent projects include TV campaigns for DirecTV, Halle Berry’s new fragrance and Hugo Boss featuring Orlando Bloom. www.solidla.com
