In an extraordinary internal project titled “Rebirth,” Revenant embarked on a journey to symbolize our brand refresh. This project, envisioned and brought to life by our talented in-house team, is a representation of transformation and growth, encapsulating the ethos of our studio’s evolution.
Ross Sneddon, our Senior Motion Designer, conceptualized “Rebirth” as a cycle of life. It’s not about discarding the old but birthing something new, akin to the themes explored in films like “Annihilation.” The central scene captures the essence of progress and metamorphosis, portraying a subject breaking free from the confines of time and reaching towards a renewed existence. This is more than a mere change; it’s a refusal to remain stagnant and a commitment to striving for more. The juxtaposition of cosmic horror with the beauty of growth and change forms the core of this project, offering a glimpse into the exciting journey towards our 2024 brand refresh.
Jacq Burns, our 3D Character Artist, faced the unique challenge of balancing horror with beauty in developing the character for “Rebirth.” Initially inspired by films such as “The Thing” and “Annihilation,” the concept evolved from a grotesque, fleshy grim reaper to a more human-like creature. This refinement aimed to forge a deeper connection with the audience. Utilizing Zbrush, Jacq sculpted the character from a sphere, adding intricate details like pores and wrinkles. This, combined with the maps generated in Substance Painter, resulted in a stunningly realistic creature.
Danny Larsen, a talented Houdini 3D Artist, contributed to “Rebirth” through his intricate fluid simulations. These simulations, representing a black liquid enveloping the character, posed a significant challenge due to the character’s erratic movements and twitches. By manipulating the motion’s speed and employing 2D animation mockups for planning, Danny achieved the desired fluid behavior, adding a compelling layer to the narrative.
Luke Angus, our Animator, played a vital role in conveying the story through animation. The film portrays the final moments of a mysterious creature, transitioning its life to a new form. Luke focused on capturing this essence through restricted, subtle movements, symbolizing the creature’s struggle and sacrifice in its final act.
“Rebirth” is not just a project; it’s a reflection of Revenant’s journey. It symbolizes our transition, mirroring the life cycle of rebirth we’ve embraced as a brand. This undertaking showcases our dedication to pushing creative boundaries, blending technical skill with artistic vision, and marking a new chapter in our studio’s story.