Behind the scenes of the Xi’an 2012 project

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NuFormer HQ – Time to share another round of behind-the-scenes material. This time we would like to show some of our work in progress for a mind-blowing 3D video mapping projection in Xi’an, China. This 2D and 3D animation is filled with so many special effects that it will make the spectators want to see it again and again (and lengthen their stay in Xi’an).

A giant worldmap at NuFormer HQ shows where we have already done projects

Last year, we designed content for a 3D video mapping projection for the city of Xi’an based on the novel ‘Journey to the West’. Click here to see the sneak preview. For this production we did a film shoot in a chromakey studio in Beijing and used the footage as a basis for the twenty minutes of animated storytelling. In order to extend this show, we were asked to produce an additional five minutes of animation content.

The new production evolves around the theme of the Chinese dragon, which is the symbol of the year 2012. The enchanting Wild Goose pagoda of Xi’an will serve as the canvas for this custom-designed video mapping projection that will highlight all the beautiful features of this ancient building.

Currently, the NuFormer team is working on the finishing touches for the spectacular projection show that will have its official launch later this year. Our 2D and 3D design specialists have been able to create a diverse and original set of short animations that are sure to captivate the attention of the audience. Although we are still working on the finishing touches of the video mapping projection, we are able to show you already some glimpses of our creations.

Especially nice to see from the row of photos beneath is the development process of the dragon, gradually coming to life in 3D. We are much looking forward to seeing the creature fly past once it will finally be projected on the enormous stone walls of the Wild Goose Pagoda. If you are curious for any updates on this exciting project please follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

The dragon in its first stages

Creating natural movements for the dragon

Adding texture to the dragon's skin

Pagoda - lantern style

Building up the pagoda in 3D

The first stages of the aquarium scene

Refining the aquarium scene

'Building' the Pagoda

Successful 360-degree projection Ford

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Detroit, USA – As promised, NuFormer starts of the year with a spectacular production designed for Ford that is currently on display at the North American International Auto Show 2012. The so-called “Living Connected Experience” provided a 360-degree seamless canvas of no less than 13.436 pixels wide.

The round platform lifts a maximum of 12 visitors up in "the Cloud"

NuFormer is responsible for the creative production of the animation; Imagination and Creative Technology US are responsible for the hardware and technical production. 9 Christie projectors are used to create the all-round projection and a twenty-foot-tall elevator lifts a maximum of 12 visitors into “the Cloud” where they are treated to an immersive cinema experience focused on Ford’s upcoming innovations of in-vehicle technology.

Behind-the-scenes at NAIAS - CT US doing its work

Now that the Ford project is officially up and running, we are keen to share some behind-the-scenes material. From the start until the final show, we are very proud to have been a part of this exciting production for a brand that is clearly not afraid of taking that extra step towards its customers. So far, the “Living Connected Experience” has already proven to be highly successful, the ‘ride’ has received broad media attention and has been featured on a large number of websites and blogs. What is more, as we speak, hundreds of visitors have already been able to enjoy the 360-degree projection.

The NAIAS will be open for public until January 22nd. Curious, but unable to go? Do take a look at the following video by Karl Flammer that gives a good impression of the Ford “Living Connected Experience”. The official NuFormer release of the production will take place next week, so do keep an eye on NuFormer’s Vimeo Channel.

Work in progress at the NuFormer office

Work in progress at the NuFormer office

Up in "the Cloud" the visitors are treated to a 360-degree cinema experience

Ford's "Living Connected Experience"

Heading into the future

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NuFormer wants to start off the year with a blast. Now that we officially launch this new blog, we would like to dedicate our first ‘official’ post to all those bloggers that have supported us over the past few years.

The 3D video mapping projection business is blooming and our projects are now widely acknowledged for their high entertainment and marketing value. That is of course great for us, but it is not the end of the story. The competition is strong and it is important to stay focused on the future and especially on innovation.

One way to measure one’s quality of innovation is the level of attention you receive from acclaimed ‘early adopter’ blogs. Their continuous support through critical, but honest feedback can provide a good impression of where you stand with your business. Companies such as ours have great reason to appreciate such feedback and attention because it is the best possible recommendation you can get.

Wired.com's blogpost on NuFormer's Interactivity Test

Looking back at 2011, there is one NuFormer production that stands out in this regard; namely the Interactivity Test we conducted in April. The media attention, boosted especially by bloggers who had picked up the news and spread it online, was very rewarding for the team. The test made it onto several international blogs, amongst whom digital think-tank PSFK and ‘beyond the beyond’ Wired.com.

Recently, blogs started creating ‘Top 10’s’ of their favorite 3D video mapping projections. We were very honored when Puromarketing featured us three times in their top 10 and Creative Guerilla Marketing put us twice in their top 12.

What we really mean to say is: THANK YOU BLOGGERS! We cannot do without your support! That is why we hope to be able to please you with this brand new blog that will cover exciting behind-the-scenes material, in-house tests and updates on our latest innovative projects.

For the upcoming year we dare to promise that we have got quite a bit up our sleeve…In the meanwhile, check our 2011 expanded Showreel for a recap of a lot of hard work!