2021 In Review | Brilliant BTS Breakdowns

Ford F-150 Lightning

Collaborating with Chrome Productions, we employed the latest in LED screen virtual production technology to shoot in multiple virtual locations, limiting the risk of exposures and leaks of the all-electric version of the automaker’s iconic F-series pickup truck. Using meticulously crafted CGI environments displayed on LED screens running Unreal Engine offered Ford the ability to achieve all of its goals: creative storytelling in multiple environments with no risk of public exposure & no need for complicated auto transport logistics.

The films highlight the versatility and high functionality of Ford’s latest release through multiple vignettes that focus on the vehicle’s features, from loading & towing capabilities to the revolutionary ability to power an entire house during a blackout.

Smart Energy ‘Einstein Knows Best’

We were tasked by AMV and Smart Energy with the hugely ambitious task of creating a digital version of Einstein. We crafted a unique and groundbreaking visual effects pipeline in order to create an avatar that was truly convincing.

Our visual effects team, including facial shape experts, spent months researching and developing a robust toolset so we could convincingly portray the nuances of Einstein’s personality. We used cutting-edge 4D volumetric capture technology to capture the performance of an actor. This was then used to re-create subtle facial performances and intricate details in CGI.

Hypebeast ‘Genesis X Concept 2-Door GT’

We joined forces with Genesis to create a film of epic proportions for their Concept 2-Door GT. The film, directed by The Mill’s Andrew Proctor and developed by our Creative Strategy team, channels the cars elegant and athletic design while placing emphasis on the manufacturer’s signature “two lines” aesthetic.

EE ‘Close Yet Far Shave’

When Saatchi&Saatchi and EE devised the world’s most challenging high-performance 5G network test involving the remote-controlled robotic shaving of a popular actor, there was only one partner who could bring its utterly unique combination of precision technologies into reality with the style it deserved.

For this world-first, The Mill created a bespoke real-time tracking and robotics system to record the movement of a London barber’s hand in real-time using optical tracking and translate it 25O miles away to a customised robotic arm that would deliver a wet shave to Lucifer star, Tom Ellis with millimetre accuracy. On a mountaintop. Only using the public network. No excuses.

Mountain Dew ‘Bob Ross’

Our VFX Team and Mill Director Nic Yiallouris joined forces with TBWA\Chiat\Day NY, in partnership with Bob Ross, for a special production to bring back legend Bob Ross for Mtn Dew.

Ocado ‘Just For You‘

We collaborated with creative agency St. Luke’s on a quirky campaign for Ocado that updates the strapline ‘The online supermarket’ to a new endline – ‘There’s an Ocado Just For You’.

Want to take your project to the next level in 2022? Contact us here to find out how.