Pause Festival 2021 | Opening Titles directed & produced by The Mill

Pause Fest is an independent, industry-driven movement with a mission to bring diverse intelligence together to fuel the next generation forward. Taking place virtually from 1st – 12th March 2021, their innovation focus is about people, mindset and culture – for a good purpose.

The festival has been described as ‘Innovation Capital’, ‘Octoberfest for business’ and ‘Woodstock for digital natives’. In 2020, they welcomed over 9,000 attendees and 10,000 online live viewers with over 80 media outlets from across the world.

Directed by Mill Director Austin Marola, the opening titles for this year’s event were produced alongside VFX & Colour Grading at The Mill.

“The troubles we face require uncommon courage. Yet, that courage exists in all of us, made stronger by unity and sparked by even the smallest will to action.

Our film depicts a barren world, burdened by a storm. Amid the harrowing winds and roiling clouds, a few bold figures stand against it, defiant. They’re left only to face the elements, to summon the will to change this world, and usher a new day.

This sequence wouldn’t really exist without helping hands from all across The Mill. We ended up working with nearly all of The Mill’s studios (LA, NY, CHI, LDN, BLR). Early on we took on the challenge of Full-CG humans, and to really sell that meant cloth simulations, hair grooming, hair simulations – all of which had different parts completed by artists from different studios. We also had some key FX and environments assets – like our hero tree – that had the benefit of specialized care to make them look great. A huge thanks to everyone involved!”

– Mill Director Austin Marola

View the full list of credits and discover more about Pause Festival 2021.