Problem

Our client tasked Magic Media with creating a trailer for Kryptomon’s target audience to engage them for the game’s release and encourage them to play it. Initially, we devised several possible creative directions, and after some deliberation and discussion with our client, we settled on the idea of crafting a hybrid trailer, one utilizing both live-action footage and 3D animation. Incorporating 3D animation and live-action footage is a creative challenge that requires close attention to detail and thorough work. To achieve this, we needed to provide 3D modeling, 3D animation, sound design, live-action footage production, and compositing services.

Solution

We initiated our work with a kick-off call with our client. Here, we established what our client was hoping to achieve both visually and conceptually. They came prepared with references as a visual aid to help us understand what they were trying to achieve and for us to determine a creative solution that would work. After settling on combining 3D animation and live-action for this Kryptomon trailer, we discovered that during our storyboarding process, our initial ambitions had to be scaled down to fit the allocated budget better. Despite this, we were able to deliver on our creative direction without complications or undermining the core concept.

After completing the storyboard and script for this live-action and 3D animation trailer, we moved on to the casting phase for its live-action portion. We worked closely with our clients to identify the best actors and proceeded to supervise and consult on the live-action shoot. This helped us produce the best shots possible which further assisted with our seamless integration of 3D animation footage. We developed a rough cut of the 3D animation porting, using Blender for 3D modeling, rigging, and animation purposes. Once we refined the 3D animation footage, we composited it with the live-action footage into the complete, final version of the trailer that was released.

Result

Throughout the entire creative process, we were in constant contact with our client. We provided weekly progress reports and they were delighted each step of the way with our work on this hybrid 3D animation and live-action trailer. Our client was completely satisfied with our final product, which we, in turn, were delighted with as it was such a creative project that required a wide range of Magic Media’s services to bring to life.

Problem

In taking on the project, we faced a number of technical challenges. First, our client counted on us to create the series from scratch, providing only the titles which would be used in the video. Although this meant we were afforded a good deal of creative freedom, we had to be careful to consistently relay the proper tone for the game. Additionally, we had a tight timeline for the first video, with a net of 4-5 days to complete the final draft, which is typical for the creation of UA ads.

Solution

Although we could be adventurous, we also looked at finding creatives which were simple enough not to sacrifice or deter from the main focus of the ad. Our approach then to maintaining consistency developed quickly after we became more familiar with the existing materials at our disposal, especially with our animators. We optimized our production process to reuse and adapt these assets into new contexts and stories, thus making our turnaround faster and on schedule. Likewise, we successfully incorporated live-action stock footage, making its inclusion seamless within the videos, from colour grading to the addition of 3D elements. Combining this with examples of the gameplay, each promo conveys a distinct character, while orienting customers towards the experience of the game.

Result

At this rate, we have been able to create dozens of ads for Zynga’s Farmville based on this production process. On top of increasing sales for our client, we have also successfully established a long-term relationship with Zynga, through our streamlined process. From a technical perspective, we have also learned how to apply this pipeline to future projects, chiefly the process of mixing assets from a number of sources to make the story more cohesive.

Problem

Our main challenge on the project was the tight time-line for production. Because national broadcasts work according to purchased time-slots on Ukrainian television, our deadline was scheduled for 10 weeks. Likewise, because the video’s initial target broadcast channel was TV, we were restricted by Ukrainian national law regarding the exhibition of weaponry on advertisements. We had to figure out a way to work around these limitations in the design phase of our characters, and to make our deadline using the most efficient methods.

Solution

Interestingly, we didn’t shoot anything for the first 6 weeks. Instead, we primarily dedicated our time to preparing the finalized product. This meant creating, modeling, and texturing 4 main character designs from an initial set of 12, while also drafting the concept’s storyline. Once complete, we used motion-capture technology to capture the main animatic, and determine the structure and timings for the sequence. Additionally, we struck a balance between the project’s combat-heavy nature and national broadcast laws by altering the character’s weaponry to more acceptable forms, like a scepter and a staff. Finally, we also recorded a voice-over to create a more immersive experience, as the characters move through the 3D environments produced by our team of environmental artists, animators, riggers, and modelers.

Result

Next to receiving great praise from our client, sales of the ATB franchise were reported to have grown by 30% after the video’s release, which amassed a viewership of approximately 1.2 million. Additionally, the client presented our team with a special gift box, containing the project’s art bible, statuettes of the main characters, and playing cards featuring each of the characters which we helped to design for the franchise – a great token of the creativity and hard work of our team.