HELLDIVERS 2
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF HELLDIVERS 2
Actor Craig Lee was amazing during the performance capture shoot. Going really wild and crazy and finding the perfect nuances and balance of humor. Something I hope we can do again in the future.
The fun we had while creating this intro cinematic is palpable in the finished product. It is a testament to the passion invested in every frame, ensuring that the audience can witness the humour and feel the genuine delight that went into its making.
Check out the behind the scenes.
CYBERPUNK 2077: PHANTOM LIBERTY
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF PHANTOM LIBERTY
Idris Elba on set in a London studio. I sat at the office in Stockholm in front of several large monitors directing remotely.
Both Idris and Zora had earpieces that allowed me to have constant communication with them. It was a very different yet amazing directing experience.
This is a very special one for me as I helmed the script writing together with Jan Bartkowicz from CD Projekt Red. We were given a very unique opportunity to tell a strong story with complex characters.
I had the true pleasure of working with the extremely talented Mr Idris Elba, playing Agent Reed. The level of professionalism and depth he brought to the character within this short amount of time was truly awe inspiring. Idris grounded the character, made us connect with him on a personal level, but also conveying a strong presence of a seasoned agent with years of experience. Even before this project I was a huge fan but now I’m his biggest one.
On the other side of the coin we had the amazing Zora Bishop playing Netrunner So Mi. Her performance connected with Idris and gave them both a deep connection that carried this short piece. Those two delivered a magical performance, playing off each other beautifully and what they pulled off really got to my heart. I couldn’t be happier with the cast and I owe them a huge Thank You!.
Check out the behind the scenes.
CYBERPUNK 2077: E3 TRAILER
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF CYBERPUNK 2077
In this short story, we follow V through a dynamic setting showcasing a glimpse into the world of perils and possibilities that is Night City — the most vibrant and dangerous metropolis of the future.
After the succesful trailers for The Walking Dead cinematic director Pawel Swierczynski and I connect with our love for storytelling and character building. What followed was an amazing visit to CD Projekt Reds HQ in Warsaw were and lovely tour of their facility was given. That became the start of our collaboration to bring this massive trailer to life.
The trailer premiered at E3 2019 and was an instant success which led to the now infamous “You’re Breathtaking” moment from Keanu Reeves during his presentation on the E3 stage. I was lucky enough to sit in the audience when the trailer premiere.
Check out the behind the scenes.
CYBERPUNK 2077: TV SPOT
ALAN WAKE II
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF ALAN WAKE II
Gold winner at 2022 Clio Awards.
Embarking on the role of director for this teaser was truly an honor. Crafting a captivating narrative within the constraints of brevity presented a delightful challenge. The task required a delicate equilibrium, weaving suspense into each frame while providing subtle glimpses and clues about the forthcoming story.
The essence of the teaser lay in its ability to engage the audience's curiosity, leaving them eager for more. A meticulous approach was adopted, strategically layering intricate details throughout the short duration. Every element, from the choice of visuals to the nuances of the script, played a crucial role in setting the stage for the larger narrative.
The continuous forward movement of the camera emerged as a pivotal tool in our storytelling arsenal. This dynamic technique not only propelled the visual momentum but also served as a metaphorical journey for the viewers. As the camera ventured into the unknown, it invited the audience to follow along, building anticipation and heightening the overall sense of suspense.
GOD OF WAR: RAGNARÖK
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF GOD OF WAR: RAGNARÖK
Collaborating with the creative forces of AKQA and Santa Monica Studios, we meticulously crafted a brief yet impactful 23.5-second TV spot. In the post-COVID landscape, our mission was twofold:
Firstly, to weave a narrative that intimately explored the theme of loneliness through the lens of Kratos, evoking a powerful emotional connection with the audience by delving into the character's perspective.
Secondly, we aimed to visually convey the significant growth and maturation of Atreus, showcasing his evolution to a point where he could confidently stand shoulder to shoulder with Kratos as an equal. This dual narrative approach not only heightened the intensity of the TV spot but also served as a poignant exploration of character dynamics and development.
OVERKILLS: THE WALKING DEAD - GRANT
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF THE WALKING DEAD : GRANT
The extremely talented William “Bill” Hope during our performance capture shoot.
Check out the behind the scenes.
In a cinematic landscape dominated by action-packed and epic trailers, our approach with Grant's narrative was to diverge from the norm. Rather than bombarding the audience with grand spectacles, we chose an intimate path, offering a unique perspective by delving deep into Grant's character.
Set against the backdrop of an expansive and isolated environment, Grant finds himself in a quiet solitude, far removed from the typical frenetic pace of cinematic trailers. Here, we unfold a poignant story where Grant, amidst the vast emptiness, grapples with a profound sense of longing and nostalgia for his grandchild.
By eschewing the conventional and opting for an up-close and personal exploration, we invite the audience to connect with Grant on a more emotional level. The subtlety of his introspection creates a distinctive cinematic experience, standing in stark contrast to the bombastic trailers prevalent in the industry. In this quiet yet powerful space, we aim to evoke genuine empathy and resonance, allowing Grant's reflective journey to leave a lasting imprint on the viewer's emotions.
The trailer has won seven awards, including Best Game Cinematic at Animago Awards, Silver in the Animation category at Epica Awards, Bronze at Eurobest (Film Craft/Animation) and Gold in the Craft category at “Guldägget” – Sweden’s most prestigious Advertising Award.
OVERKILLS: THE WALKING DEAD - HEATHER
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF THE WALKING DEAD : HEATHER
Check out the behind the scenes.
Heather, a resilient and intelligent character of formidable capability, faces a sudden ambush that leaves her overpowered. Undeterred, she harnesses her cunning and strategic acumen to turn the tables. Her assailants confined in an alley, she orchestrates a plan to exploit the environment.
In a brilliant maneuver, Heather entices a horde of zombies into the narrow space, creating chaos and diversion. Seizing the opportunity, she cleverly manipulates the situation, leveraging a key that becomes the means for her aggressors' escape. This calculated move not only ensures her own safety but also grants her the chance to retrieve what was stolen from her.
As the elements of strategy unfold, Heather emerges victorious, reclaiming both her possessions and exacting revenge on those who sought to overpower her. Her resilience and resourcefulness shine through, making this encounter a testament to her strength and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
OVERKILLS: THE WALKING DEAD - LAUNCH TRAILER
THE CINEMATIC STORYTELLING OF THE WALKING DEAD : LAUNCH TRAILER
Grant, Heather, Maya, and Aiden embarked on a meticulously planned stealth mission, navigating the shadows with precision and caution. However, unforeseen circumstances quickly turned their covert operation into a chaotic struggle for survival. A subtle misstep led to an alarming discovery, forcing the team to abandon their silent approach and resort to gunfire to fend off immediate threats.
As gunfire erupted, echoing through the once-silent corridors, the team fought valiantly, determined to shoot their way out of the escalating danger. The once-stealthy mission transformed into a frantic battle, with each member showcasing their unique skills in the heat of the moment. Despite their best efforts, the situation took an unexpected turn when the relentless onslaught attracted the attention of a growing horde of zombies.
The group found themselves surrounded, outnumbered, and fighting for their lives. In the midst of chaos, the team had to recalibrate their strategy on the fly, improvising to deal with both human adversaries and the encroaching undead. The atmosphere became tense, and the stakes escalated as the horde closed in, leaving Grant, Heather, Maya, and Aiden with a harrowing challenge — to escape the dual threat of relentless zombies and the remnants of the mission gone awry.
