Method Creates CG Capsule for Verizon Wireless

Acclaimed visual effects company Method Studios recently completed work on Capsule, a new campaign from Verizon Wireless via agency mcgarrybowen and production company Believe Media promoting the MOTOROLA XOOM, a new tablet powered by the Android™ 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating system. The campaign, which consists of a teaser and two :30, focuses on a young man who discovers the tablet during a late night stroll down a boardwalk and then is instantly engulfed in a hovering capsule, illustrating the interactivity and the immersive experience the XOOM provides.

 

Method was involved in the campaign from the conceptual brief. “It was a true collaborative affair with the director, creatives and conceptual artists,” commented Jay Lichtman, Method Executive Producer. “From the concept art stage, the design of the capsule was ever-evolving; changes to the design of the capsule’s interior, exterior, graphics and color palette were finessed all the way to delivery.

 

The campaign slogan “Grab It and It Grabs You” accurately describes Method’s experience working on the project. “From the moment we received the treatment we couldn’t wait to bring the “capsule” concept to life,” offered Method 3D Visual Effects Supervisor Andy Jones. “Being asked to create a futuristic hovering pod out of nothing borders on self-indulgence; it was a true labor of love for our team.”

 

Method provided a host of 2D and 3D services for the campaign. On the 2D front, comprehensive rotoscopy, rig removal and beauty work was done on the live-action plates. There was also seamless integration of photorealistic CG within the live-action plates and complementary optical effects. On the 3D side, modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering were provided. A photorealistic full interior was created for the capsule along with complementary “thruster” and environmental effects. The project was composited in Nuke and finished in Flame. After Effects and Photoshop were utilized to create motion graphics throughout.

 

The enthusiasm for the work was evident throughout the project, as the entire team consistently delivered results above and beyond expectations in every aspect of production. “It was an absolute pleasure working with Rory Kelleher from Believe Media and the creative team at mcgarrybowen,” said Jones. “We’re tremendously grateful for the chance to collaborate with such talented individuals on the next chapter of what is quite possibly the most exhilarating ad campaign on the air today.”

 

 

CREDITS

 

Titles:

 

“Teaser”

“Software”

“Hardware”

 

Client: Verizon Wireless

Agency: mcgarrybowen

 

 

 

Creatives:

 

Mark Koelfgen – Managing Director/Exec. Creative Director

Warren Eakins – Executive Creative Director

Mark Abellera – Group Creative Director

Tiffany Smith – Associate Creative Director/Copywriter

Michael Cannova – Associate Creative Director/Art Director

 

Production:

 

Roseanne Horn – Executive Director of TVP

Suzanne Crowe – Executive Producer

Chad Garber – Broadcast Producer

 

Music Production:

 

Jerry Krenach – Director of Music Production

Jean Scofield – Music Producer

 

 

Believe Media/Los Angeles

Rory Kelleher – Director

Liz Silver – Executive Producer

Gary Romano – Line Producer

 

 

Nomad Editorial/New York

Tom Muldoon – Editor

Ray Frech – Asst. Editor

Celest Gilbert – Executive Producer

Anne Vega – Producer

 

 

Method Studios/New York

Doug Luka – 3D Visual Effects Supervisor

Andy Jones – 3D Visual Effects Supervisor

Peter Marin – 2D Visual Effects Supervisor

Jay Lichtman – Executive Producer

Tram Le – Producer

 

 

Original Music/Q Department

Original Music by Q Department

 

 

Sound Design/Trinitite Studio

Brian Emrich – Sound Designer

 

 

Sound Mixing/Sonic Union

Michael Maranelli – Mixer

 

Steve Rosen – Mixer