Thunder, a new spot for Hasbro’s Zoids line of mechanized action figures, features a CG version of one of the toys rampaging through a city. To create the effect, ad agency Tracy Lock Partnership called upon the team at Reel FX.
Both the Zoid and cityscape are completely digital creations. To add to the spot’s intensity, a dark and thunderous sky was composited into the scene using Inferno. Camera shake was also added as the Zoid stomps down the city streets.
To carry the tone of the animated sequences over into live-action scenes where kids play with the toys in their home, Reel FX had to replace the sunny day seen through the house’s large windows with ominous skies and lightning. A total of 18 shots had to be manipulated in this way.
In addition to work for Hasbro, Showtime, Nissan and Gatorade, Dallas-based Reel FX’s credits include an upcoming Halloween special for The Disney Channel.
