PRE PRODUCTION | ANIMATIC

After defining the characters in 2D we began 3D modeling. The characters were rigged for movement and our team built a highly-customized rig to propagate the many variations and characters types throughout the scenes. After all, some shots have over 40 elves! From there, we begun animation. 

The overarching mood of the brief: HAVE FUN! The characters where disorganized, uncoordinated, nonchalant and liberal with their magic dust. We wanted each elf to have its own unique personality. From cartwheels to rolls, and elves sliding down poles, each elf is designed to have whimsy and charm without overshadowing the narrative. 

We moved into cloth simulation to bring an articulate nuance to the way the characters moved. Their cloths had to feel realistic when compared to their human counterparts to fully integrate the elves with the live action components of the spot. Then, materials and lighting were applied to the scene. Referencing our earlier concept designs we created an array of hair styles, cloths and accessories to adorn our elves and create variation. We used all the information we captured on set to integrate the elves into each shot. 

One of the biggest challenges was the glitter. The elves are much smaller characters and therefore the glitter they throw has a different dynamic property than normal, human glitter. Ensuring their actions felt plausible while making the glitter noticeable was especially tricky. We created a vast array of customizable and reactionary glitter particle simulations. From the sneezing lady to the shelve falling, all required a keen eye for dynamics and particle movement.