Yeo’s Journey
Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Intro
Revenant had the unique opportunity to create a new immersive experience within Cox’s Cave at Cheddar Gorge and Caves in Somerset, England. The client tasked us with reimagining the existing narrative, giving us the freedom to conceptualize, script and animate an elegant and abstract natural history story of the caves. ‘Yeo’s Journey: The Power of Water’ takes the visitor on a sojourn through time, revealing the ancient tale of how the mighty River Yeo carved this geological wonder. Working in tandem with audio-visual hardware specialists, DJW, we used animation and lighting to create a beautiful and unforgettable experience.
Styleframes & Storyboarding
The experience is broken up into 9 zones across the cave, with their own key points to the narrative. Yeo, the main character, is a common thread that ties the whole experience together. Except for 2 zones, we created visuals that would not only compliment the rock surfaces but also kept the viewers engaged. The storyboards worked in tandem with the writing and the pacing of each zone. For example, when one animation finishes, the public need time to get to the next section, without missing any key narrative visuals. In the end, the storyboards helped with pacing but as we learned along the process, we shaped the visuals based on what felt right.
Behind The Scenes
The technical challenges were formidable, as we navigated the complexities of projecting onto cave walls and stalagmites. 3D scanning the entire cave system was undertaken, enabling us to plan and execute the journey with the most impactful visuals. Extensive testing was required to ensure the animation seamlessly integrated with the environment. Our ultimate goal was clear: to craft a meaningful and enduring experience for visitors, engaging them with the captivating narrative of the caves and elevating the sense of wonder and awe.
Testimonial
I had the delight of working with Revenant on a multimedia experience set inside a natural cave environment called Cox’s Cave - Yeo’s Journey: The Power of Water. Along with the animation, Revenant was responsible for writing the creative storyline in collaboration with our on-site cave historians. The captivating story is brought to life with their state-of-the-art animation, plus sound, lighting and colour projected against the cave chamber walls, making the experience immersive, fun, and thought-provoking. I was blown away with the result. A massive thanks to Scott, Kev, and the team for bringing their passion and experience to the project.
Fenia Vitali
General Manager, Cheddar Gorge & Caves