We don't do a ton of news packages here, but when they come around, we really like doing them. These projects are different animals than the rest, since there's a lot more rules, specifications and tricky details that need to be adhered to than you typically have to worry about on a job, outside of VFX. News packages need to fit onto multiple programs that air at different times of the day, while faithfully displaying varying amounts of streaming data and information all while maintaining a consistent identity. On top of this, it also has to be client-extendable, since shows change by adding and removing features, or simply because a single news story requires a different graphic construct to convey information effectively. For the designer, it helps to be a little OCD, and you need to delve into the nitty gritty technical details of live studio equipment to make sure it all works when the show goes live.

Images from News Open.

The clip above is the evening opening - we didn't include all the over-shoulder, full-page and lower third elements etc., since it can get a bit dry out of context. Looking back this is probably the glassiest bit of 3D we've ever done. We mixed multiple macro renders of the logos to create a library of flowing, abstract elements to create a series of background textures that the formal elements coupled be built upon. Lighting and color was adjusted for morning programs, and a library of elements was provided to the client to build elements for the life of the package.

~ 3D animation + rendering performed in Softimage, composited in After Effects. ~