New York-based visual effects and animation studio Light of Day Creative Director of Development Charles Nordeen recently collaborated with agency Fenton to help conceptualize and lens a new television PSA for Carton Council that encourages families to “let the carton live on” by recycling food and beverage cartons once they’re empty. nnCarton Council worked with Fenton, a public interest communications firm, who tapped Light of Day to lens, edit and create the visual effects at the heart of the commercial. Light of Day created VFX that show the benefits of recycling more directly than ever before.nnnnKitty Overton, video producer at Fenton, said, "Working with Light of Day and Charles has been a delight. This has been an effortless and seamless production experience and we appreciate Light of Day‘s collaborative nature, meticulous attention to detail, and intelligent VFX work." In the spot, a recycling bin transforms a family’s empty beverage cartons into brand new paper towels, napkins, tissues and paper right in their kitchen. "We wanted to convey this idea that once you recycle something, that actual carton is processed and turns into a final product that people can then recycle again," says Nordeen.nnMore than the actual VFX work, Nordeen had to make sure the effects meshed with the message of the PSA. "That’s not what people normally do, especially not in PSAs. You don’t usually bring a clear animated effect that’s not reality into a PSA which is trying to get the point across that’s real," explains Nordeen, "We worked closely [with Fenton] to make sure that we split the difference between reality and suspended reality and still get the point across that this is something that you really actually do… and still make it fun."nnFenton came up with the concept for the spot, while Light of Day helped them further conceptualize their ideas. Light of Day also wrote storyboards, directed, filmed, and added effects. The spot was filmed by cinematographer John McCabe, and edited by John Marinis of Cutting Room.nnCreditsnnAgency: FentonnProducer: Kitty OvertonnCreative Director: Josh GoldnProduction Company: Light of Day nDirector: Charles Nordeen nCinematographer: John McCabe nEditing Company: Cutting RoomnEditor: John MarinisnVFX Company: Light of DaynVFX Creative Director: Colin Stackpole nFlame Artist: Dino TsaousisnCG Artist: Justin BarnesnColorist: Natalie WollmannnOnline Edit: Meggen BurdicknnAbout Light of DaynFounded in 2011, Light of Day is based in Manhattan, New York. First and foremost a creative shop with production and vast post production capabilities, Light of Day specifically provides visual effects and animation skills to the advertising, broadcast, music video and feature film industries. Light of Day creates a seamless work-flow between high-end compositing and 3D, and generates photo-real and stylized looks for films, online media and TV commercials. www.lightofday.tv
Media: Geanna Diaz double E communications Contact Geanna via email 212.941.7590
Pioneering The Visual Narrative: Bobola Oniwura’s Impact on Nollywood’s Cinematic Evolution
Nollywood is in the middle of a visual revolution, and at its core is Bobola Oniwura, the mastermind behind some of the industry’s most striking cinematic transformations. Oniwura is a pioneering colorist whose unique approach to film aesthetics has set new standards for how Nigerian stories are told on screen. From the gritty realism of King of Boys: The Return of the King to the vibrant energy of A Tribe Called Judah, Oniwura’s work has become synonymous with a new era of cinematic excellence, one where color grading is no longer an afterthought but a defining narrative tool. The film industry in Nigeria known as Nollywood has grown into one of the most prolific cinematic powerhouses in the world. Producing thousands of films annually, it ranks alongside Hollywood and Bollywood in terms of output. Once characterized by rapid, low-budget productions, Nollywood has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing higher production values, diverse storytelling, and international recognition. The industry’s films now command global audiences, made possible by platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and receiving acclaim at major festivals. This evolution has been fueled by creatives like Oniwura, who are redefining the post-production technical standards of Nigerian films. His impact extends beyond the color suite. Drawing on his background in Architecture and user experience research, Oniwura approaches color grading with an acute understanding of audience perception, crafting visual experiences that enhance storytelling, evoke emotion, and immerse viewers in the rich textures of Nigerian culture. His ability to merge technical precision with artistic intuition has positioned him as one of the most sought-after colorists in Nollywood... Read More