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High Definition Video for Independent Filmmakers
A How To Guide for Digital Filmmakers
Welcome all! This is my blog to share my latest research,
thoughts, etc. on utilizing HD for independent filmmaking.

YES, I am available for consulting
Contact me at mike@hdforindies.com

All content copyright 2004-2007 Mike Curtis.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Awesome. Halo 3 diorama ad 

Top Spot of the Week: Halo3 "Believe" | Studio Daily

This is the kind of creativity I like. A 30 x 40 foot diorama, with 8 inch tall figures. Recreating a battle scene that otherwise exists only in CG in a video game. They could have done this all in 3D, with greater detail. They could have used some loud, pounding music. Instead, soft, simple piano music, and hand painted figurines (Stan Winston Studios no less!). A quiet tour of a battlefield, frozen in time.

Would that YOU (or, ahem, I) would have such creativity, and NOT take the obvious route.

Would that you or I would have such a budget, as well.

-mike

UPDATE - here's a stills gallery of the diorama, and oh, how about a 720p version of the spot? RIGHT CLICK AND DOWNLOAD LINKED FILE AS. Sorry, .wmv only, how I got it.

-mike
Comments:
Don't sell yourself short Mike!

I've done videos in the past where after awhile you begin to experiment and just try different types of music.

Me being a huge Philip Glass fan, I always would opt for classical music to begin with. Hard-pounding music is oftentimes anti-climactic and if you want to evoke an emotion: Classical is king.

I think you would of found that path on your own, you're a bright guy! Keep up the good work!

- Lucas
 
this type of add is not a first. i dont know if you remember but "gears of war", also a microsoft published Xbox 360 title, used a verry similar style add campaign. in tone at least. there was no 30 foot diorama, all cg from the game naturally. the game itself is an intense blood frothing shotgun blasting alien shooter, but the music in the add was gary jules cover of mad world by echo and the bunnymen (from donnie darko). a very slow dreamy piano piece. violence has been compaired to ballet since as far back as i can rememer. im glad to think that people are finnally comming around to realize that cg is not impressive in and of itself anymore. there is a time and place for it. and somtimes the old ways are just more..... entertaining. i mean lets face it. i could keep watching movies that look like blade runner for the rest of my life. and they had no cg. so id say your right mike, creativity is now more of an asset then knowing how to use final cut.... thank god.
 
Mike, this ties in with the previous ad ("Museum"). It's just live action, with a couple diorama shots. But works well. Nice campaign, glad to see the game ads getting a little less suck-worthy.

l.k. did you notice they used a Philip Glass cue (Koyaanisqatsi?
) in the opening for the next GTA?

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com
 
Hey Bruce,

Yeppers, noticed that too when I first saw the trailer for the new GTA IV (or better known as the KILLER APP for the PS3!)

I've long held a belief (and have yet to be proven wrong), that you virtually can show anything...and so long a you use a minimalistic piece of music you're good to go.

Here's a stupid video I made promoting HV20.com You'll see my point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYU6oszmOs

Still, I'm not trying to detract from that Halo3 ad, it was frickin' amazing!
 
'Mad World' (used in the 'Gears of War' spot) is actually a cover of a Tears For Fears song, not Echo and the Bunnymen. A small point, but along with being a fan of all things visual, I'm also a music nerd.
 
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