422 Discovers refreshment in the ice depths of the Arctic.
The journey and results.
The journey and results.
422 has definitively carved its name in the recreation of photo real environments and creatures. Most notably with such programmes as 'Drain The Ocean' which saw 422's artists visualise the jaw-dropping natural canyons and sights that the ocean conceals. However in our latest commercial, we take an unusual journey through, below zero degree Arctic seas to a bohemian establishment for Bochkarev Beer.
Nescafe 'Aliens' attracted attention to 422's skilled ability to deliver a world unlike any other and Bochkarev Beer confirms that not only can we produce high end graphics but that we will continue to improve and push the quality that is achieved.
As with past ventures the challenge was to successfully visualise this underwater world, bringing realism to a fantasy shipwreck bar. With the combined talents of Art Director Eduardo Schaal and VFX Director Rogerio Alves, the desired cinematic view of this environment was formed. As the air date loomed the deadline was tight and this in turn meant for an intensive research and development period in which the smallest detail was mercilessly analysed, designed and polished in order to convincingly submerge the viewer within this imaginary world.
As with past ventures the challenge was to successfully visualise this underwater world, bringing realism to a fantasy shipwreck bar. With the combined talents of Art Director Eduardo Schaal and VFX Director Rogerio Alves, the desired cinematic view of this environment was formed. As the air date loomed the deadline was tight and this in turn meant for an intensive research and development period in which the smallest detail was mercilessly analysed, designed and polished in order to convincingly submerge the viewer within this imaginary world.
Realism was not the only constraint on the production of the Bochkarev vision, as with every televised production there were rules that needed to be adhered to in order for the commercial to be aired. The most pressing concern being that no life could be shown within the advert, which meant animals, fish and most importantly people are absent.
This of course created an unusual challenge. Atmospheric lighting proved to be the answer to these conditions, leading to many additional stages of concepts in order to hide what was needed yet still provide the facade necessary to capture the life and beauty of the scene. Eduardo excelled in the challenge and directed our artists to not only produce what was needed but exceeded the clients expectations.
This of course created an unusual challenge. Atmospheric lighting proved to be the answer to these conditions, leading to many additional stages of concepts in order to hide what was needed yet still provide the facade necessary to capture the life and beauty of the scene. Eduardo excelled in the challenge and directed our artists to not only produce what was needed but exceeded the clients expectations.
This was especially true of the concluding bar scene in which the low warm lighting and discrete shadows implied a busy and enticing ambiance without having to show
single consumer. With every commercial, the idealistic look of the product is key. The beer had to look cool, crisp and refreshing with the archetypal golden colour. To achieve the product shot, artistic back lighting, visually perfect props and the Directors keen eye for the frame was required. The Red camera was selected for the task of capturing these elements, which unlike many digital cameras will allow the operator to achieve the same impressive depth of field and selective focus as found in film cameras.
The flawless beer footage finally was incorporated into the scene, which itself was a picture perfect full CG interpretation of the desired bar. This meant that the smallest detail could be manipulated, to act as an aid to the final vision of the product.
Water simulation, its effects and interaction was not only the basis of the story but was essential to the effectiveness of the advert. During the project Rogerio led experienced talent dedicated to the simulation and creation of fluid/ocean elements to produce high quality effects equal to those in major motion pictures. Maya ocean shader formed the basis with the indispensable extras such as foam generation and bubbles developed in Realflow; rendered with Mentalray shaders adding the final touch to the realism desired.
Author: SF 2009