Client
Khalifa University
Date | Duration
2019
Creative Director
Rita Dhankani
Executive Producer
Mehul Mahicha
Challenge
Creative Kettle approached us with an interesting proposition, they wanted to promote their university as one who offers a wide range of streams to choose from. They believed in the research and expertise they were bringing to each stream. We need to personify this belief and bring their values in through our story. This is why we decided to create a character who would drive the film’s objective clearly.
When Khalifa University approached us, we saw a lot of potential in the diverse courses that were offered. Thus we decided to create a character driven film that promotes these exciting courses.
Research
The script that we received from Creative Kettle was enriching but would surely be enhanced with animation. This got our ball rolling as it was an exciting time for both Creative Kettle and for us, as this was the first animation promotion film for both of us. Our research went into creating a film that spoke that caught the pulse of the youth, like an extension of their mindset. A representation of Khalifa that would hook the readers in.
Ideation
Out of these parameters came Abdullah, a boy who represented youthful curiosity. For the first month we refined the script with Kettle, working side by side so that each dialogue and sequence was of value. We wanted to bring the feeling of dream careers that Khalifa could fulfil. What followed was storyboard enhancement, where we improved things on a visual level. We aimed to represent the middle eastern culture ,language, attire and much more. We requested a video walkthrough of the university , photographs of the interiors and the exterior so that we understood what was the space we were to re-create. Characters were also design keeping this research in mind. We also did an exercise of acting, so as to bring the actions in animation stronger. Being thorough was the key.
Production
With the script, visualisation and in-depth R&D in place , we were ready for the actual production. We had a passionate team who were dedicated to specific sets of work. This included 2D, 3D modelling, rigging. There were also animators and composters in place. We first created a clay model of the 3D character, so that our modellers understood the characters better. Each room had a set design in place which synced with the character. The entire pre-production was done in illustration to finalise the look, set, props and colours, characters, clothes, university and basic mood of the film. As filmmakers, language is a welcome challenge, so working with Arabic was a lot of fun. Although expressions and actions are universal, that’s an animator’s true strength.
Outcome
Five months of passionate hard work from our side and the clients valuable involvement, gave a stunning film that bagged an FICCI nomination as well.
Credits
Client
Khalifa University
Creative Agency
Creative Kettle
Director
Rita Dhankani
Producer
Mehul Mahicha
Project Lead
Manas Sarma
3D Team
Manas Sarma, Gnan Sai Reddy
Sound Studio
Voice Box Productions