Motion graphics production company Roger recently created two heart-pounding sports packages for Fox Sports Net’s Major League Baseball (MLB) and Spike TV’s “MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Uncensored Live.” These latest projects show the versatility and range of Roger‘s conceptual and design skills, a striking difference from the kid-friendly animation for which the studio is best known.rnrnThe MLB open follows the path of a baseball as it leaves the pitcher’s arm to the batter. Zooming chalk lines and iconic, animated baseball players shrouded in shadows lend a sense of excitement and mystery as game footage of the next match-up is interspersed throughout the promo.rnrnrnrnSet to a pulsing Skrillex dub-step track, the “MMA Uncensored Live” montage showcases several variations of the heavy and monolithic “MMA Uncensored Live” logo animating on. The details of the fight cage’s chain link fence, bright flashing lights and smoky effects bring the intensity of the sport right to the viewers.rnrn rnrn”The process was seamless from beginning to end,” says Jason Scott, Fox Sports Net Creative Director. “Roger pitched really strong ideas being fully aware of the usability factor for the MLB season and multiple regions. The creative was never compromised to accommodate that factor. They always brought solutions to the process.”rnrn”Roger was the perfect partner,” remarks Ian Kahn, Spike TV Director of Production & Project Management, Advertising & Design. “Terry and team took all the input we supplied and came back with a great-looking package that’s robust, flexible and provides a really strong identity for the show. They always come back with a slick and unique vision, and couldn’t be an easier or more fun team to work with. They’re an amazing shop and I can’t wait to partner with them on something else again in the near future.”rnrnTo view the work, please visit: http://bit.ly/KQVVsernrnFor the Fox Sports Net MLB package, one of the main objectives was to create a toolkit that would be dynamic, but also flexible enough to work for every baseball region in the country. With this in mind, Roger crafted a design that would scream baseball without favoring any team or region. This allowed a “generic” team to be utilized instead of dealing with the identity of the players themselves.rnrn”By using 3D-animated baseball players, we were able to capture more of the sport’s fast-paced action because we weren’t restricted to sourcing pre-existing game footage,” explains Terry Lee, Roger Owner/Creative Director. “We created cool-looking angles and used bullet-time, slow-motion action. Particle effects also added depth and emphasized the animation.”rnrnSpike TV’s MMA package involved a different tack, highlighting the technical aspects of MMA fighting while still embracing the “raw” attitude of the fans. Much time and attention was spent on modeling minute details, dialing in the texturing and lighting, and adding smoky atmospheric effects to enhance the drama. rnrn”The world of MMA fighting has this stigma of being aggressive and visually grungy,” says Lee. “However, it is a legitimate sport with the training and technique involved rivaling the most demanding physical activities. We wanted a design that was bold and classy. Our goal was to bring atmosphere and depth to this package and use elements that also help ground it in the MMA world.”rnrnThe challenge on both projects was to create toolkits that were easily managed by an in-house team and versionable in an edit bay. Roger molded its creative to maximize the use of whatever system used its graphics. The MMA package needed to be especially flexible since the elements are integrated during live broadcast. In the case of MLB, Roger took advantage of the Avid’s capabilities in tracking type into a plate of footage to elevate the animation of the package. rnrn”Creative collaboration with the client is our ultimate goal,” concludes Lee. “We work best in settings where we can easily have a dialogue, ensuring that everyone is on board every step of the way. This was our approach with MMA since three entities — us, Spike and Original Media – were involved, which ultimately made the collaboration better for everyone. Jason Scott from FSN is a great creative and understands the process from both sides. It was one of the biggest packages we ever delivered, but also one of the smoothest.”rnrnCreditsrnProject: Fox Sports MLB Show Package rnAirdate: March – October 2012 rnrnDesign & Motion Graphics Company: RogerrnCreative Director: Terence LeernArt Director: Paul YehrnExecutive Producer: Sarah ColernProducer: Drew NeujahrrnDesigner: Robyn Lee, rn2D Animators: Paul Yeh, Scott Warniak, Anthony Mai, Jun Kwakrn3D Artists: DJ Kim, Justin WilcottrnCoordinator: Brandon StevensonrnMusic/Soundtrack: ‘Dark Horses’ by SwitchfootrnrnProject: Spike TV MMA Uncensored Live Show PackagernAirdate: March 1st – Ongoing rnrnDesign & Motion Graphics Company: RogerrnCreative Director: Terence Lee rnArt Director: Dane MacBethrnExecutive Producer: Sarah Cole rnProducers: Drew Neujahr, Brandon StevensonrnDesigners: Gabe Ferraro, Robyn Leern2D Animators: Gabe Ferraro, Justin Wilcottrn3D Artists: DJ Kim, Justin WilcottrnMusic/Soundtrack: ‘Equinox’ by SkrillexrnrnAbout RogerrnRoger is a playground that brings creative visions to life. As a motion graphics production company, we specialize in design-driven storytelling, integrating live-action, 2D/3D design, editorial and animation. Our unique approach to working with clients begins with loud and clear communication. Here, ideas bloom year-round, nurtured by a wellspring of creative talent we have cultivated. Recent clients include Nickelodeon, Burger King, MTV, FOX, ABC, Sony, Pitch, Discovery Health & Fitness, HGTV, WeTV and AMC. www.roger.tv
Michele Lu Kumar Priya PR 310.922.0464 Contact Michele via email
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More