The Partnership at Drugfree.org has launched a :30 PSA nationwide via DDB New York and The Colony.nnDirected by The Colony‘s David Gaddie, the spot features a teenager whose age increases and whose health deteriorates visibly during an unbroken monologue to camera. The effect was achieved through a combination of clever shoot techniques and subtle post production that leave audiences marveling.nnThe DDB brief called for viewers to arrive at the end of the spot, surprised to find themselves looking at an older, drug damaged teen, without noticing the changes as they happened. nnDirector David Gaddie says the concept provided an interesting challenge on a technical level, requiring him to deliver substantial aging and changes in appearance without using any obvious tricks. nn
nnGaddie came up with the idea of prerecording and locking the audio first so the actor could perfectly learn his lip sync. The team could then shoot many different matched passes to this audio, while the actor’s hair and makeup were altered between shots. The spot was shot in three main plates, from older to younger, and the actor’s hair was shortened between each plate, giving him a younger look. The footage was then reassembled in reverse order and seamlessly merged at The Colony‘s design, animation and VFX studio, Afterparty, to deliver a progression from younger to older and the illusion of aging “before your eyes”. nn”We were very pleased to contribute to this campaign. We started with a very clever script and a great performer in Ted Sutherland. We were also very lucky to have celebrated makeup designer Judy Chin [Black Swan] on board to build the illusion. Then we used very subtle post techniques to smooth, enhance and extend the shift in age and health.” nn
nnThe commercial was shot by New York DOP William Rexer. Digital effects were created by The Colony‘s design, animation and VFX studio, Afterparty. Sound design was contributed by Nylon Studios. nnCredits nClient: The Partnership at Drugfree.org (formerly the Partnership for a Drug-Free America)nnAgency: DDB, New YorknChief Creative Officer: Matt Eastwood; Group Creative Director: Rich Sharp; Group Creative Director: Mike Sullivan; Creative Director/Copywriter: Scott Cooney; Senior Art Director: Matt Knapp; Director of Broadcast Production: Ed Zazzera; Executive Producer: Walter Brindak; Management Supervisor: Kelly GorskynnProduction company: The ColonynDirector: David Gaddie; Director of Photography: William Rexer; Executive Producer: Angela Bowen; Producer: Zac Zimmerman; Editor: Nick CarewnnVFX: AfterpartynnSound Design: Nylon Studios nnThe Colony has offices in New York, Sydney and Shanghai.nnVisit The Colony at: www.the-colony.comnVisit Afterparty at: www.afterpartyvfx.com
Sharon Lew The Colony (646) 755-7373 x17 Contact Sharon via email
Contact:Hillary Herbst Hilly Reps Contact Hilary via email
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