MARTIAN
Destination Survival
Sudler & Hennessey London wanted to create a trip to mars to promote therapy advancements for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). We built a multi-platform campaign that ran in print and digital channels. The production combined stock photography, animation, matte painting and VFX for a stunning campaign launch.
PRE PRODUCTION | CONCEPT
The project began with a detailed research and reference phase focused on space expeditions and sci-fi imagery- from analyzing the rocky terrain and atmospherics, to the future of landing craft designs and habitation.
We explored layout and compositions through quick sketches and developed concept art to define the tone and mood of the lighting for the Martian terrain. The space suit is a futuristic take on the modern day white space suit — designed to look technically accurate, with a tight fit for better mobility and more futuristic styling for the brand.
Structural designs and build materials for the descent and ascent vehicle (DAV) were closely referenced from actual space modules, with heat shielding, thermal insulation, and landing gear drawing from both real-life and fictional designs. The concept arts were then refined as model sheets, with close up details to further explore the mechanics of the landing gear for the modeling team.
Post Production | CGI & RETOUCH
Our teams worked in tandem to build the campaign - 2d artists created the Martian terrain matte painting, drawing from the Taylor James Stock Library and other stock material. Images of rural landscapes, beaches, sand dunes, rocks, deserts and cliffs were composited together and color graded to create our dramatic Martian landscapes.
Congruently, the 3d team was blocking out the scene setups and animatics to establish the required shots, framing and timings for the animation. Once the edits were locked, the 3d assets were modelled, and detailed textures and materials were edited.
Each sequence required multiple render elements and passes composited together in Nuke. Additional motion graphics were overlaid on the suit and helmet displays and layers of atmospherics, dust, and post lighting effects added to the each of the shots. Final Grading was then applied using DaVinci Resolve. The stills campaign was repurposed for multiple print and digiral channels, delivered as 10,000 pixel high resolution images.
