Artists create CG animals, environments and augmented female robots
Method Studios, a Deluxe Entertainment Services Group company, collaborated with agency David&Goliath on two commercials for Kia Motors, which premiered during Super Bowl XLVII. “Space Babies,” for the redesigned 2014 Sorento SX Limited, directed by Jake Scott (RSA), and “Hotbots” for the all-new 2014 Forte compact sedan, directed by Carl Erik Rinsch (MJZ) provided a wealth of inspiring VFX challenges to Method’s creative team in Los Angeles. nnStephanie Gilgar, Method Studios’ Executive Producer comments, “It’s an honor to have been entrusted to deliver two VFX-heavy ads seen during this year’s big game – a yearly highlight in the US television commercials industry.”n n”Space Babies,” which aired during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl, involves a six-year-old boy posing the classic question “Where do babies come from?”. Caught off guard, his Dad conjures up the wondrous tale of ‘Babylandia’ in an attempt to answer his curious child. To visualize the mystical planet, the Method team developed CGI environments, rocket ships and a host of infant creatures, including penguins, elephants, pandas, giraffes, hippos and more.n n”It was important to Jake and David & Goliath that the CG world and animals retain an element of whimsy,” said Mike Wigart, Method VFX producer. “We needed to create something realistic while making sure it has a sense of something imagined.” Method VFX Supervisor Andy Boyd adds, “from a VFX standpoint, it was all-encompassing: CG animals, vehicles, clothing, environmental elements, matte painting, compositing – it was amazing to see the project well-executed across so many different areas of expertise – ‘Space Babies’ was a huge team effort.”nn
n nKia’s second ad that aired in the Big Game was for the 2014 Kia Forte compact sedan, which debuted during the third quarter. Method’s focus for this spot was to conceptualize and construct the ‘Hotbots’ – a futuristic take on an auto show model who is overly protective of the attractive Forte. VFX Supervisor Benjamin Walsh notes “After discussions with Carl and the agency creatives, we concluded that the best methodology was to shoot practical models and track CG mechanical components on top. We combined the best features from around 20 different concept designs to come up with a unique and sexy looking Hotbot.”nn
n nWith the success of CG skin lighting tests, it was determined that only the live action heads and dresses of the models would be kept and the arms, chest and legs would be replaced entirely. This meant very precise animation was required to match up the 3D limbs with the live action. Attention was paid to crafting the mechanics of the joints and the vein-like wires which glow blue with energy.n nDuring post production, Method Studios linked in with Company 3 and Stefan Sonnenfeld who provided the final color grade for both commercials. The grading of Space Babies was of particular importance during the multi-step look development process with Method, which offered the Kia clients creative input as the project developed. nnCREDITSnnKIA Forte “Hotbots”n nAgency: David&GoliathnChief Creative Officer: David AngelonExecutive Creative Director: Colin JefferynCreative Director: Gary DuToitnCreative Director: Eron BroughtonnACD/Copywriter: Greg BurinACD/Art Director: Basil CowiesonnExecutive Producer, Managing Director: Carol LombardnExecutive Producer: Paul AlbanesenManaging Partner, Client Services: Brian DunbarnGroup Account Director: Brook DorenSenior Integrated Account Director: Justin ManfredinAccount Supervisor: Nancy RamireznSenior Account Executive: Kammie DonsnDirector of Strategic Planning: David MeasernStrategic Planner: Armando Pot Contact:
Melissa Knight Method Studios 310 434 6500 Contact Melisa via email
“Ǝvolution” Comes Full Circle At The Chelsea Film Festival
The Chelsea Film Festival, running from October 16th through October 20th, 2024, at Regal Cinemas here in Union Square, is set to host the East Coast premiere of Ǝvolution, a thought-provoking experimental micro-short film that proves big ideas can come in small packages and in perfect circles.
In just 1 minute 16 seconds, this cinematic gem by Award-Winning Director Romina Schwedler, with original music by Argentine Composer Ignacio Montoya Carlotto, explores a cycle as old as time: life leads to progress, progress leads to destruction, and destruction, well, leads back to life. But is this vicious circle unbreakable? Ǝvolution suggests the answer is yes, unless we decide to open our eyes.
Inspired by the overwhelming number of recent events that threaten human existence, Ǝvolution, possibly the shortest film in this 12th edition of the festival, plays out entirely through the symbolism of circles, cleverly illustrating —in the blink of an eye— the repeating patterns of history, and confronting viewers with the uncomfortable truth that our so-called “progress” may, in fact, be guiding us to our own ruin.Premiering at the Regal 14 Union Square, New York City, on October 18, 2024, at 11 a.m., Romina Schwedler's micro-short, featuring Leah Young with cinematography by Alan J. Carmona, will be sure to spark conversations longer than the film itself! Forcing viewers to reconsider the true meaning of evolution, not just as a biological process, but as a reflection of our collective journey as humans.
With a string of festival appearances across the globe, including CineGlobe at CERN (Switzerland/France), Oscar®... Read More