The concept called for an inner city student to break out of her limited opportunity reality to realize her personal educational goals and untapped career potential by engaging with Year Up United. The challenge was how to best communicate the student’s journey visually in a 2:00 video with a 2 day shoot.

Studio Lab partner, Greg Farnum, owner of Sweven Visual Engineering, and Virtual Production Artist, Blake Propst, Studio Engineer at Studio Lab used 3D XR, 2.5D Generative AI plates, Video Plates, CG, Green Screen, Compositing and a practical bedroom set with collapsing walls to reveal an idealized, Oz-like city skyline, conveying a journey from dark to light, with metaphors for optimism and personal growth.

An impactful, engaging video with positive messaging that encourages viewing through the end because of the beautiful “how did they do that” visuals.

Agency – Connelly Partners
Producer – Janet Cuttle
Dir. Production – Barry Frechette
ACD Copy – Clark Shepard
ACD Art – Abby Peterson
Designer – Travis Earp
Brand – Laura Frankenfield, Olivia West
Brand Director – Ashley Campbell

Production

DP – Greg Farnum, Sweven Visual Engineering
Dir. of Virtual Production – Ian Messina, Dimension 5
Studio Engineer – Blake Propst
Producer – Steven Galante
Gaffer – Noah Baker
Grip – Jake Desharnais, Dave LaRue
AC – Erik Llungholm
Art Director – Cooper Flanders
Set Contractor – Garrett Gage
H/M/W – Courtney Kilmartin
PA – Cam Kingdon
EP – Ken Kingdon
Studio Manager – Alissa Escobales
Talent – Stephanie Rich