Kalbitor – Skin Transformation

BRIEF
We were commissioned by GSW to create three visually striking shots that illustrated the different attacks associated with the disease Hereditary Angiodema (HAE). Each attack is comprised of variable symptoms and these were the key visual messages that were communicated in each shot. The forms of hands creeping underneath the skin visually represented the ‘Edema’ that is produced during these attacks. 

OUR ROLE
This was a complete production run by Taylor James from the very start. We received layout sketches from the client of each of the three shots and went from there. The benefits of having TJ run complete productions are manifold as it enables us to streamline all areas of production with a focus on giving our clients the highest quality assets with maximum flexibility in the least amount of time. 

PRODUCTION/SOLUTION
No two ways about it, this was a very difficult brief. Not only was it a challenge to create realistic CGI skin that matched that of the “talent,” it was even more of a challenge to convey the appropriate visual message of each attack while maintaining readability. The “Neck” shot is a perfect example of this balancing act as the “attacking hands” are coming from under the skin but are simultaneously supposed to be conveying a squeezing or choking action as if on top of the skin. Getting this dynamic just right necessitated working very closely with our clients. This is where our streamlined production pipeline that we call Real World Rendering™ really shines. This five-step process greatly facilitates collaboration between all parties involved by bringing a simple clarity to the otherwise complex discipline of CGI. We break down the project into five easy to understand “Milestones” enabling everyone involved to know exactly where the project is at, where it’s going, and what input or feedback is specifically required at that time. By allowing our clients to play such an active role throughout the project we minimize creative setbacks and gain the benefit of their insights at the correct times, so that we keep the project moving forward. Following this process we began by conducting a studio photo-shoot that took place in London. With an eye for how the photography would ultimately relate to the finished pieces, we were able to accurately direct the shoot so that all necessary photos were captured on the day. From there, we began by sketching out the shapes of the sub-dermal “hands” in order to get the agencies feedback on the initial placement of the attacks. Once this was established, a 3D sculptor was employed to digitally “sculpt” the hands using a piece of software called ZBrush. We were then able to take these sculpted assets and quickly composite them with the photography to give the client a very detailed visual representation of what the final images would look like. Once the agency was happy with the all the various details in the sculptures and how they interacted with the “talent”, we then went about giving the sculptures a skin texture that matched that of the “talent.” Again, we were able to accomplish this because of the fact that we made sure to collect all the necessary data on the day of the shoot. This included doing a separate lighting setup for each model so that we could properly capture the skin over various parts of their bodies for the purpose of being used as a texture in 3D. It is this type of creative management from concept to completion that ensures the success of a project such as this.

RESULT
Taylor James was able to produce three dramatic shots that accurately portrayed the symptoms of HAE by utilizing photography, 3D sculpting and 2D compositing. It is our ability to efficiently blend multiple disciplines in a streamlined manner that enables us to produce the highest quality images that budgets and time will allow.

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