The Abyss Live

422 South helped audiences to explore The Abyss, through creating titles and content graphics for this live event.

422 South completed a graphics and CGI package which helped to bring the darkest depths of the ocean to life for the viewers of Abyss Live – a series of specials which were broadcast live and interactive throughout the daytime and evening on BBC ONE during a day long event.

422 created a title sequence for this event, which included live and “as live” broadcasts from locations such as Monterey Bay, Cocos Island and the 9 North hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean, as well as live interactive studio transmissions. The titles incorporate footage shot at these locations showing some of the most unusual-looking sea creatures, as well as some of the special “submersible” equipment that were used to bring the images to the viewer at home. The sequence was designed by Lou MacDonnell and Leah Walker and treated in After Effects, with additional After Effects work from Neil Harris.

To really help the viewer to understand the layout and environment of the dive locations, 422 produced a detailed CGI model of the Monterey Bay area, with wire frame models to help explain the underwater topography of the sites at Cocos and 9 North. The 3D models were created in Maya by Jaime Pardo and Laura Murphy.

To complete the graphics package, a series of animated maps was also designed and treated in After Effects by Leah Walker, to help set the scene for each location.

The Producer for the BBC is Simon Nash, with Melanie Jappy overseeing production for BBC Interactive. There was also live interactive coverage of the event on the BBC web site.

author: DT
2003-11-14