After many initial thoughts, the idea was simple. To create two bespoke teaser trailers that would play out at the same time but from two very different perspectives. One from Max (the Father), inside the digital world he created called the ‘Echoverse’, and the second, from Maxine (the Daughter), who in a postapocalyptic world is caught unaware by an approaching super storm.When it came to character animation, our strategy involved a hybrid approach, seamlessly integrating the strengths of performance capture for facial animation with the precision of keyframe animation for the body. This mixed method approach allowed us to leverage the nuanced expressiveness captured in facial performances while retaining the creative control necessary for the intricacies of body movement.
The synergy between these two techniques presented a considerable challenge, as it required a delicate balance to ensure that the face and body animations seamlessly synchronized. By allowing the intricate details captured in facial expressions to inform and influence the keyframes of body movements, we achieved a level of cohesiveness in the performance that elevated the overall animation quality. This fusion ensured that every element of the animation complemented and enhanced the other, resulting in a character animation that was not only visually striking but also emotionally engaging.
With UI design in mind, our initial hurdle involved creating a user interface seamlessly integrated into the spatial context. The primary objective was to develop an interface that felt instinctive, steering clear of an overly button-laden or conventional aesthetic. Our intention was to create something organic, with a sense of natural flow, while still incorporating mechanical elements. The result embodied a slightly grungy and aged appearance that naturally blended into the environment. This design approach aimed to evoke a sense of second nature for the main character, Max, ensuring that the UI not only served its functional purpose but also became an integral and visually succinct part of the overall narrative.
As the production progressed, we confronted various challenges, a direct result of our commitment to achieving a high-calibre execution. However, the advantage of operating as a relatively small and nimble team became apparent as it provided us the flexibility to swiftly pivot away from outdated concepts and readily embrace fresh ideas within a matter of hours. This agility proved invaluable in contrast to adhering to a more rigid pipeline that could potentially prolong the decision-making process for days or even weeks. The streamlined communication and decision-making within our team allowed for a dynamic and efficient workflow, facilitating quick adjustments, and ensuring that the project evolved seamlessly in response to evolving creative needs and client preferences.
The main tools we used for the project included: Houdini, Axiom, Maya, Nuke, Redshift, Arnold, and Adobe CS.