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Identity guidelines

Framestore 2015 version 1.0

Framestore Identity Guidelines

1 Identity assets

Framestore 2015

1.1. Introduction

Framestore has always had an energetic,


playful, vibrant brand identity which has set
the company apart as a place of rule-breaking
creativity and individuality.
The Framestore identity references its brand
heritage by placing the original F design at its
heart. Other aspects of the original Framestore
identity are no longer used. The new brand
elements give rise to a simple, refined, modern
identity which is flexible and versatile.

Framestore identity guidelines

1.2. The logo

The logo is our main brand asset,


expressing the creative yet rigorous
spirit of the Framestore brand across
all media. It should only be used as
provided in the appropriate files.

Framestore identity guidelines

1.3. The colour palette

Framestore Blue
RGB 0 117 201
CMYK 100 40 0 0
Pantone 3005 C

Framestore Light Blue


RGB 0 185 255
CMYK 70 0 0 0
Pantone 298 C

Main colour

Secondary colours

Framestore identity guidelines

Expressing our creative and technological


problem-solving approach, the Framestore
colour palette provides both confident and
dynamic colours that shape our identity.

Framestore Dark Grey


RGB 85 86 90
CMYK 0 0 0 80
Pantone Cool Gray 11 C

Framestore Light Grey


RGB 188 186 186
CMYK 0 0 0 34
Pantone Cool Gray 4 C

Framestore Orange
RGB 255 125 0
CMYK 0 58 100 0
Pantone 151 C

Framestore Green
RGB 165 225 160
CMYK 40 0 55 0
Pantone 358 C

Accent colours

1.4. Typography

Main font family


Used for the wordmark part of our logo, Antenna
also delivers our messages efficiently across all major
platforms, with its confident, deliberate design. The
extensive range of widths provides plenty of options
for any situation.

ABCDEFRAMES
Antenna Light
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Antenna Regular
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Antenna Medium
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Antenna Bold
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Antenna Light Italic


ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Antenna Italic
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Antenna Medium Italic


ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Antenna Bold Italic


ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Framestore identity guidelines

Secondary font family


Whenever Antenna cannot be used (e.g. emails,
presentations that need to be sent to clients), the Arial
system font should be used instead.

ARIAL
Framestore identity guidelines

Arial Regular
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Arial Bold
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Arial Italic
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

Arial Bold Italic


ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890

1.7. Using the logo

Safe space
To ensure that the logo has visual impact,
always leave enough clear space around
it. This should be at least half of the
symbols height (X).
For the same visibility reasons, the logo
should not be used too small, either
on printed materials or on screen. The
minimum sizes are shown here.

2X

7mm / 30px minimum

Framestore identity guidelines

12

Colour versions of the logo


The Framestore logo (and its variants)
can be used in several coloured versions on
white and coloured backgrounds, as shown.
Please keep in mind that only dark grey
backgrounds can provide good readability
for all the coloured versions of the logo.
Also, for the same reason, a green version
of the logo should not be used on white
backgrounds.

The logo used on white backgrounds

The logo used on coloured backgrounds

Note:
The rectangles shown here are used to
describe background colours they should
never be used as holding devices.

The logo used in black & white

Framestore identity guidelines

13

Using the symbol


Thanks to its recognisability, our symbol can be used
on its own, together with the grid, or whenever there is
not enough space available to use the full logo. It can
also be used as a visual reminder in situations where
using the logo would become too repetitive.
The symbol and the logo should never appear on the
same layout or surface.

Framestore identity guidelines

14

Please avoid when using the logo


The Framestore logo (and all its variants)
should only be used as supplied, to ensure
that it always has the best readability and it
is consistent with the rest of the Framestore
identity elements.
Avoid treatments such as:
applying drop shadows
using strokes, glow effects
recreating the logo in any way
rotating, distorting or using perspective
using other colours or gradients
u
 sing the symbol without the squircle
u
 sing colour combinations that affect the
readibility of the logo
using the logo on textured backgrounds
p
 lacing the logo on busy photography
backgrounds

Framestore identity guidelines

Framestore

15

Please avoid when using the logo


(continued)
Also to avoid:
using the logo vertically
c
 reating new logos for either sub-brands,
special events or other purposes
u
 sing the Framestore wordmark on its
own, without the symbol
creating a stacked version of the logo
c
 reating a filled in symbol for the logo,
either by using white or other colours
creating an outlined version of the logo
u
 sing different colours for the symbol and
the wordmark within the logo

Framestore identity guidelines

RANDOMNAME

or

16

1.8. The squircle grid


Providing a functional, flexible
structure for many of our Framestore
materials, the squircle grid is a strong
identity asset. It is reminiscent of
motion tracking points and the grids
on NASA space photographs.

Framestore identity guidelines

17

Using the grid


The grid squircles (or elements) can change their size from
one situation to another, depending on whether the grid is
used as a main design feature, or a supporting one (providing
the structure for an image-led layout, for example).
The density of the grid can change as well, depending on the
size of the squircles and their importance within the layout.
The previous page and current one are a good example.

Many or just a few squircles can be made invisible


to make room for the main elements of a layout (the
Framestore logo or symbol, a title or headline, text,
images). This guidelines document demonstrates the
use of the grid extensively.
The grid should always be centred with the active
design area of a layout. Binding, cropping or folding
margins should be considered separately.

Framestore identity guidelines

18

Using the grid (continued)


Thanks to its flexibility, the grid can be used across many
different materials, the print ad and backdrop banner
shown here being just two examples.
All the layout elements should be positioned depending
on the grid. The logos symbol should always be aligned
vertically and horizontally with one of the grid squircles.
Other elements can be aligned either with the logo, or
with the grid squircles.

framestore.com

@framestore

/framestore

We are Framestore.
We combine award-winning
craft and relentless creativity
with tomorrows technologies.
We make the impossible possible.

I am very, very
impressed with
Gravity
Buzz Aldrin

I am very, very impressed


with Gravity Buzz Aldrin
Alfonso Cuaron trusted us with his
pioneering travels into space. It was
a real voyage of discovery.
framestore.com/gravity

Cinefex print ad

Framestore identity guidelines

Backdrop banner

19

Using the grid (continued)


As a general rule, the size ratio between the Framestore logo (or
symbol) and the grid squircles should be either 4/1 (in most cases) or
16/1 (for large materials, such as backdrop banners, office signage).

providing the spacing between the images, but without being visible
in the final layout, the second as a visible element, the squircles
having been resized by 50% individually (as shown here).

Using
the
squircle
grid
For print ads and other single-image layouts, one grid squircle can
be enlarged and used to frame the image. For backdrop banners
and other multiple-images layouts, the grid is used twice: first for

framestore.com

@framestore

/framestore

We are Framestore.
We combine award-winning
craft and relentless creativity
with tomorrows technologies.
We make the impossible possible.

I am very, very
impressed with
Gravity
Buzz Aldrin

I am very, very impressed


with Gravity Buzz Aldrin

I am very, very impressed


with Gravity Buzz Aldrin

Alfonso Cuaron trusted us with his


pioneering travels into space. It was
a real voyage of discovery.

Alfonso Cuaron trusted us with his


pioneering travels into space. It was
a real voyage of discovery.

framestore.com/gravity

framestore.com/gravity

Cinefex print ad grid

Framestore identity guidelines

Backdrop banner grid

20

What to avoid when using the grid


The grid should always have a functional
role (and look), not a decorative one.
Therefore, please avoid:
c
 reating grids without enough space
between the grids squircles (making the
grid look like a decorative pattern);
c
 reating a squared version of the grid
(with the exception of the notebook
inside pages);
u
 sing the grid on just a part of the layout;
the grid should always cover the entirety
of the layout (even if some of its elements
are obscured by images or text);
u
 sing different sizes for the grid squircles
(only one different sized squircle can be
used, as a frame for an image).

Framestore identity guidelines

21

4.1. On-screen presentations

One of our main touch points with our clients and collaborators,
screen presentations should send clear messages and show
our work with maximum impact. For these reasons, please keep
texts short, to the point, and use one image per slide (either full
bleed or framed) as often as possible.

We are Framestore. We create


extraordinary experiences.

We make moving images, content,


design and digital for the advertising,
entertainment and film industries.
We are global leaders in visual effects,
having won every major industry award.

Introducing Framestore
Mike McGee, Creative Director
& Co-Founder
Framestore 2015

Framestore 2015

Presentation cover with framed image

We collaborate from the conception of a


project and bring a creative and technological
problem-solving approach to our partners
business challenges. We engage consumers
through groundbreaking visual experiences
that are driven by insight and innovation.

Introductory slide with full bleed image

Text slide with two columns

Framestore identity guidelines

Introductory slide follow-up

Our reputation is built on our trusted


relationships. We never stand still and work
tirelessly with our partners to deliver their
vision. Our talent, experience, and innovative
technology continue to help our clients push
boundaries and break new ground.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Were proud to offer a scalable talent pool


for clients and partners. Our global team is
connected through a realtime production
pipeline, enabling 900 colleagues to
collaborate on projects, wherever we
are in the world.

Framestore 2015

Framestore 2015

Thank you
@framestore
facebook.com/framestore

Framestore 2015

Section or case study cover with full bleed image

Framestore 2015

End slide with framed image and contact details

64

On-screen presentations (continued)


Whenever theres a need for a longer text to be shown on one
slide (and it cant be split on two or more slides), one of the
column templates should be used. Just like in the case of
newspapers, columns make for faster, easier reading.

With GEs Invention Donkey, the possibilities


are endless. New best friends, a money-making
app, maybe even a new way to power the world?
Framestores New York team collaborated with
BBDO and director Steve Miller to deliver this
hilarious new spot, featuring real-life donkey
actress Bella-Bella.

Section title that goes on one


or two lines if necessary

VFX Supervisor Raul Ortego was present on set where the


donkey was shot against a green screen, with David Hulin also
in attendance to take CG references from the animal actress.
We needed to know in advance how much smaller the donkey
was supposed to be in the commercial as well as what type of
surface it would be standing on Raul explained. Radical were
the Production Company and built a scaled-up replica of the
ground for the donkey to be shot on. Having this prop on set we
were able to get good shadows and a correct bouncing light,
which really helped further down the line.

Presentation title on one or


two lines if necessary
Subtitle, date or speakers name
on one or two lines if necessary
Framestore 2015

Framestore 2015

Presentation cover using the grid without image

It comes as no surprise that Framestore


delivered on one of the most challenging
multi-faceted creatures I have seen in a
commercial. It is not often that artistry,
technology, and hard work come together
so seamlessly Director, Carl Erik Rinsch.
Framestore worked with J. Walter
Thompson to deliver a shape-shifting, oil
and metal based creature for Shells latest
spot. Collaborating with director Carl
Rinsch, the ad is predictably high-octane,
with the stunning Chilean Andes serving as
the theatre in which the action plays out.
Early character designs were done way
back in late November 2014, with CG Art
Director Grant Walker creating distinct
characters for the different stages of the
ad. Carl the director had a strong opinion
on what he wanted, but gave us a lot
of scope to create original designs. The
monster had to evolve throughout the ad
and demonstrate the various threats to

the performance of the engine explained


Grant. The monster at the start of the
ad was based on a shrimp-like primitive
creature, before morphing to resemble a
spider and finally a land based mammal
like a gorilla. The concept character
originally had more ambiguity to its form,
but we made the conscious decision that
it should take on more obvious forms. This
gave the commercial more interest and
the monster more identity.
The shoot took place over a four day
period in December with VFX Supervisor
Russell Dodgson and CG Supervisor
Robert Harrington both in attendance.
It wasnt like your normal supervising
shoot. Carl was constantly whizzing off to
get the amount of shooting done in the
time we had available, and having the
car and helicopter running a the same
time, coupled with shooting on a Russian
arm, it was pretty hectic said Russell.
We had to capture everything about the

Framestore 2015

Text slide with introduction, using three columns

Framestore identity guidelines

Shoot completed, post production


kicked into gear in January. The chaotic,
transformational nature of the character
called for some fresh thinking when it
came to rigging, explains Lead Rigger
Kimon Matara. To manage permutations,
a new codebase was established early
on, built around Python inheritance
patterns. The keyframed performance
was layered with algorithmic effects, and
a range of limb types were developed
that could be animated at any orientation,
roaming freely across the body. Deformer
technology used to create the Mimics
in Edge of Tomorrow helped refine the
creatures flow between states.

10

From the start we loved story and the creative that BBDO and
Steve Miller came up with summed up Framestore Producer
Raven Sia. The team make it look so easy to produce this
miniature, talking donkey but it all comes down to the extremely
talented artists we have here.

Framestore 2015

Section cover using the grid without image

scene throughout the day sizes, colours,


distances, shapes. It was a challenge to get
everything done in the time we had, but a
great experience overall Robert said.

The team wanted to capture as much of Bella-Bellas style


and overall look in their CG double, so everything from fur
clumping to the size of the donkeys teeth was scrutinised over.
Framestores in-house grooming system was used to create the
style of the fur, whilst the rendering and character development
was done in Arnold.

Text slide with introduction, using two columns

It comes as no surprise that Framestore


delivered on one of the most challenging
multi-faceted creatures I have seen in a

The shoot took place over a four day


period in December with VFX Supervisor
Russell Dodgson and CG Supervisor Robert

A library of various mechanical parts was


created by the modelling team. This asset
library was then used to populate the

was by far the most challenging part of the ad


from a classically CG perspective said Rob
Harrington. On set it became increasingly

commercial. It is not often that artistry,


technology, and hard work come together so
seamlessly Director, Carl Erik Rinsch.
Framestore worked with J. Walter Thompson

Harrington both in attendance. It wasnt


like your normal supervising shoot. Carl was
constantly whizzing off to get the amount of
shooting done in the time we had available,
and having the car and helicopter running

animated geometry with all the various


mechanical parts. It was important to be able
to art direct the shape, size and placement
of these mechanical parts, as well as how
they move independently from each other.

apparent that filming the intended tunnel


would be a problem, so we suggested
creating one in 3D instead. The components
were pretty straight forward, but deciding
on camera moves and colours is an iterative

to deliver a shape-shifting, oil and metal


based creature for Shells latest spot.
Collaborating with director Carl Rinsch, the ad
is predictably high-octane, with the stunning
Chilean Andes serving as the theatre in which

a the same time, coupled with shooting on


a Russian arm, it was pretty hectic said
Russell. We had to capture everything about
the scene throughout the day sizes, colours,
distances, shapes. It was a challenge to get

Using Houdinis Bullet Solver we were able to


manipulate the behaviour of the mechanical
parts as though they were a particle system,
using some custom forces to determine how
magnetised the pieces are to each other as

process which doesnt sit well with long


render times. We decided to render the tunnel
very neutrally in separate components, letting
us re-design it in 2D instead.

the action plays out.

everything done in the time we had, but a


great experience overall Robert said.

Shading, lighting and rendering were also


big challenges for the team, with road
replacements and environment clean-up
adding to the workload. The sheer volume
of work the Nuke team got through was

Early character designs were done way back


in late November 2014, with CG Art Director
Grant Walker creating distinct characters

Shoot completed, post production


kicked into gear in January. The chaotic,

well as setting thresholds for how far a piece


can deviate from the rest of the group, until it
falls off and becomes independent from the
rest of the creature. Using this set-up we were
able to manipulate a complex and as well as

for the different stages of the ad. Carl the


director had a strong opinion on what he
wanted, but gave us a lot of scope to create
original designs. The monster had to evolve
throughout the ad and demonstrate the

transformational nature of the character


called for some fresh thinking when it came
to rigging, explains Lead Rigger Kimon
Matara. To manage permutations, a new
codebase was established early on, built

flexible behavioural system within Houdini,


which still adhered to real world conditions
such as self collisions and gravity. It was then
a matter of building more layers of complexity
on top of what we now had; such as making

outstanding. A massive number of shots were


entirely recreated, with a full environment
made for the petrol station to sit in, as well
as a large amount of recreation for the bridge
environment Russell added. Matte paintings

various threats to the performance of the


engine explained Grant. The monster at
the start of the ad was based on a shrimplike primitive creature, before morphing to
resemble a spider and finally a gorilla. The

around Python inheritance patterns. The


keyframed performance was layered with
algorithmic effects, and a range of limb types
were developed that could be animated at
any orientation, roaming freely across the

the pieces emit dust and small debris


whenever they collide with each other or with
the environment.

were also composited into the bridge and


petrol station sequences to maintain the
spectacular surroundings, whilst a grade by
Simon Bourne put the finishing touches on the
action-packed ad.

concept character originally had more


ambiguity to its form, but we made the
conscious decision that it should take on more
obvious forms. This gave the commercial
more interest and the monster more identity.

body. Deformer technology used to create the


Mimics in Edge of Tomorrow helped refine the
creatures flow between states.

There was plenty of work to be done

Quote that spans across


several lines; more lines
but shorter in length are
are faster to read than
fewer but longer lines
Surname Name

elsewhere, most notably in CG. Not only


was the entire car created in CG and used
in several of the shots, but the bridge was
rebuilt in post, as was the petrol station seen
at the end of the ad. The tunnel sequence

Framestore 2015

Text slide with four columns (to be used only if necessary)

11

Framestore 2015

Quote or conclusion slide with framed image

65

On-screen presentations (continued)


Further examples

Key message that goes on one or


two lines; this slide also shows
how a partner logo can be shown
(together with the Framestore
symbol and copyright)

We are Framestore. We create extraordinary experiences. We combine


award-winning craft and relentless creativity with tomorrows
technologies. We make the impossible possible.
We make moving images, content, design and digital for the advertising, entertainment and
film industries. We are global leaders in visual effects, having won every major industry award.

The making of
Gravity

We collaborate from the conception of a project and bring a creative and technological
problem-solving approach to our partners business challenges. We engage consumers
through groundbreaking visual experiences that are driven by insight and innovation.
Were proud to offer a scalable talent pool for clients and partners. Our global team is
connected through a realtime production pipeline, enabling 900 colleagues to collaborate on
projects, wherever we are in the world.
Our reputation is built on our trusted relationships. We never stand still and work tirelessly with
our partners to deliver their vision. Our talent, experience, and innovative technology continue
to help our clients push boundaries and break new ground.

Partner logo

Slide with key message, full bleed image and partner logo

Framestore 2015

Framestore 2015

Framestore 2015

Alternative section or case study cover, with framed image

Text slide with introduction, using one column

I am very, very
impressed with Gravity
Buzz Aldrin

Shell Shapeshifter
April 2015

Title that goes on one or two


lines if necessary

15

It comes as no surprise that Framestore


delivered on one of the most challenging
multi-faceted creatures I have seen in a
commercial. It is not often that artistry,
technology, and hard work come together
so seamlessly Carl Erik Rinsch, Director
Framestore worked with J. Walter Thompson to deliver a
shape-shifting, oil and metal based creature for Shells
latest spot. Collaborating with director Carl Rinsch, the ad
is predictably high-octane, with the stunning Chilean Andes
serving as the theatre in which the action plays out.
Early character designs were done way back in late
November 2014, with CG Art Director Grant Walker creating
distinct characters for the different stages of the ad. Carl
the director had a strong opinion on what he wanted, but
gave us a lot of scope to create original designs.

Framestore 2015

Title slide with full bleed image

Framestore identity guidelines

Framestore 2015

Case study slide with text and framed image

17

Framestore 2015

Quote or conclusion slide with framed image

66

Client or partner branded presentations


In some special cases, presentations might need to be
designed in a different way, based either on a campaign or
films look and feel, or on another brands identity. In such
cases, our logo should be used on the cover in blue (or light
grey, white, if over a photo or dark background). The symbol
can also be used on certain pages.

HELPING
H ETLHPEI NFGU T U
HR
E EF U
AR
TU
R IRVEE A R R I V E
B E N W EBST
E N- W
D IERST
E C-TO
D IRR S
E CTTO
R ERAT
SMTERNETAT
-M
FR
EN
AM
T E- STO
F R ARMEE STO R E

HELPING THE FUTURE ARRIVE


Open on a close-up of a man looking to the sky while driving, the warm light of sunrise reflects off the crystal clear glass of
the window and in the iris of his eyes. His confident gaze tells us hes in control. He knows where hes headed.

Though we focus intently on his gaze, we know this story isnt about the man. Its much bigger than that. Its about what we
see in the depths of his eyesthe far reaches of the human imagination.

We pull out to reveal that the look in the mans eyes comes not from his confidence behind the wheel, but from the trust he
places in the driverless car that is transporting him. Technical information and navigation controls are displayed on the Car
window as a HUD. This startling revelation immediately arrests the audiences attention. This isnt a car commercial. This
feels like the beginning of an epic sci-fi film set in the not too distant future.

page 4

Framestore logo on partner or client branded title slide

Framestore identity guidelines

Framestore symbol on partner or client branded content slide

Framestore front / end slide which can be shown before / after


a partner or client branded presentation

67

4.2. Printed proposals, treatments, RFIs


Matching our on-screen presentations,
printed proposals, treatments and RFIs
follow the same design principles.

We make moving images, content,


design and digital for the advertising,
entertainment and film industries.
We are global leaders in visual effects,
having won every major industry award.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Introducing Framestore
Mike McGee, Creative Director
& Co-Founder
Framestore 2015

Framestore 2015

Cover page with framed image

With GEs Invention Donkey,


the possibilities are endless.
New best friends, a moneymaking app, maybe even a
new way to power the world?
Framestores New York team
collaborated with BBDO
and director Steve Miller to
deliver this hilarious new spot,
featuring real-life donkey
actress Bella-Bella.

Introduction or key message page

VFX Supervisor Raul Ortego was present on set where the


donkey was shot against a green screen, with David Hulin
also in attendance to take CG references from the animal
actress. We needed to know in advance how much
smaller the donkey was supposed to be in the commercial
as well as what type of surface it would be standing on
Raul explained. Radical were the Production Company
and built a scaled-up replica of the ground for the donkey
to be shot on. Having this prop on set we were able to get
good shadows and a correct bouncing light, which really
helped further down the line.
The team wanted to capture as much of Bella-Bellas
style and overall look in their CG double, so everything
from fur clumping to the size of the donkeys teeth
was scrutinised over. Framestores in-house grooming
system was used to create the style of the fur, whilst the
rendering and character development was done in Arnold.
From the start we loved story and the creative that BBDO
and Steve Miller came up with summed up Framestore
Producer Raven Sia. The team make it look so easy to
produce this miniature, talking donkey but it all comes
down to the extremely talented artists we have here.

Framestore 2015

Content page with introduction and body copy

Framestore identity guidelines

Framestore 2015

It comes as no surprise that Framestore delivered on


one of the most challenging multi-faceted creatures I
have seen in a commercial. It is not often that artistry,
technology, and hard work come together so seamlessly

Section title or case study cover page with full bleed image

Russell. We had to capture everything about the scene

more layers of complexity on top of what we now had;

throughout the day sizes, colours, distances, shapes.


It was a challenge to get everything done in the time we

such as making the pieces emit dust and small debris


whenever they collide with each other or with the

had, but a great experience overall Robert said.

environment.

Shoot completed, post production kicked into gear in

There was plenty of work to be done elsewhere, most

Director, Carl Erik Rinsch.


Framestore worked with J. Walter Thompson to

January. The chaotic, transformational nature of the

deliver a shape-shifting, oil and metal based creature

character called for some fresh thinking when it came

CG and used in several of the shots, but the bridge

for Shells latest spot. Collaborating with director


Carl Rinsch, the ad is predictably high-octane, with

to rigging, explains Lead Rigger Kimon Matara. To


manage permutations, a new codebase was established

was rebuilt in post, as was the petrol station seen at


the end of the ad. The tunnel sequence was by far the

notably in CG. Not only was the entire car created in

most challenging part of the ad from a classically CG

the stunning Chilean Andes serving as the theatre in

early on, built around Python inheritance patterns. The

which the action plays out.

keyframed performance was layered with algorithmic


effects, and a range of limb types were developed that

perspective said Rob Harrington. On set it became


increasingly apparent that filming the intended tunnel

Early character designs were done way back in late

could be animated at any orientation, roaming freely

would be a problem, so we suggested creating one in 3D

November 2014, with CG Art Director Grant Walker


creating distinct characters for the different stages of

across the body. Deformer technology used to create the


Mimics in Edge of Tomorrow helped refine the creatures

instead. The components were pretty straight forward,


but deciding on camera moves and colours is an

the ad. Carl the director had a strong opinion on what

flow between states.

he wanted, but gave us a lot of scope to create original

iterative process which doesnt sit well with long render


times. We decided to render the tunnel very neutrally

designs. The monster had to evolve throughout the ad


and demonstrate the various threats to the performance

A library of various mechanical parts was created

of the engine explained Grant. The monster at the

by the modelling team. This asset library was then

in separate components, letting us re-design it in 2D


instead.

start of the ad was based on a shrimp-like primitive


creature, before morphing to resemble a spider and

used to populate the animated geometry with all


the various mechanical parts. It was important to be

Shading, lighting and rendering were also big challenges


for the team, with road replacements and environment

finally a gorilla. The concept character originally had

able to art direct the shape, size and placement of

clean-up adding to the workload. The sheer volume


of work the Nuke team got through was outstanding. A
massive number of shots were entirely recreated, with

more ambiguity to its form, but we made the conscious


decision that it should take on more obvious forms.

these mechanical parts, as well as how they move


independently from each other. Using Houdinis Bullet

This gave the commercial more interest and the

Solver we were able to manipulate the behaviour of

monster more identity.

the mechanical parts as though they were a particle

as well as a large amount of recreation for the bridge

The shoot took place over a four day period in

system, using some custom forces to determine how


magnetised the pieces are to each other as well as

environment Russell added. Matte paintings were also


composited into the bridge and petrol station sequences

December with VFX Supervisor Russell Dodgson and


CG Supervisor Robert Harrington both in attendance.
It wasnt like your normal supervising shoot. Carl was

Quote that spans across


several lines; more lines
but shorter in length are
are faster to read than
fewer but longer lines
Surname Name

a full environment made for the petrol station to sit in,

setting thresholds for how far a piece can deviate from

to maintain the spectacular surroundings, whilst a

the rest of the group, until it falls off and becomes


independent from the rest of the creature. Using this

grade by Simon Bourne put the finishing touches on the


action-packed ad.

constantly whizzing off to get the amount of shooting

set-up we were able to manipulate a complex and

done in the time we had available, and having the car


and helicopter running a the same time, coupled with

as well as flexible behavioural system within Houdini,


which still adhered to real world conditions such as self

shooting on a Russian arm, it was pretty hectic said

collisions and gravity. It was then a matter of building

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68

I am very, 
very impressed
with Gravity
 Buzz Aldrin

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