Introducing Surface Duo 2

Motion Graphics Designer and CG Supervisor

As a Motion Graphics Designer and CG Supervisor for on-location filming for the Surface Duo 2 launch video, I was responsible for creating and animating the UI across the device's two screens. This project presented a unique and challenging opportunity to showcase my skills in motion graphics and UI design. My responsibilities included:

UI Animation: Animated all UI elements on the Surface Duo 2, ensuring smooth transitions and interactions across the device's dual screens.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked closely with various teams at Microsoft and third-party groups such as Google, TikTok, Spotify, and Kindle to achieve a cohesive and visually stunning final product.
On-Set CG Supervision: Oversaw the on-set integration of animation and live-action footage, ensuring practical footage was captured in-camera for a natural and organic look.
Technical Support: Provided technical support as AC, lighting, and gaffing during pick-up shoots, demonstrating versatility and effective collaboration in multiple roles.

Our combined efforts resulted in a visually captivating launch video that effectively highlighted the innovative features of the Surface Duo 2.

Microsoft

The Motion Awards - Nominee
Commercial Campaign

Gold Telly Winner
Craft - 3D Graphics/Animation

PRODUCTION BREAKDOWN

The following videos showcase a selection of scenes from this production, where I was responsible for incorporating UI animation into live-action footage. All of these scenes were filmed with tracking screens, and I was tasked with tracking the UI and matching it with the talent's interaction with the device. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Initial Filming and UI Integration:

Tracking Screens: Filmed all scenes with tracking screens, allowing precise matching of UI animations with the talent's interactions.
UI Animation: Created and animated the UI elements, ensuring they aligned perfectly with the dual-screen functionality of the device.

Review and Reshoot:

First Review: Determined that a reshoot was necessary to improve the flow and interaction of the scene.
Reshoot: Conducted a reshoot to capture improved footage, ensuring the UI animations were more fluid and natural.

Final Tweaks and Compositing:

UI Adjustments: Made necessary tweaks to the UI animations to ensure a seamless integration with the live-action footage.
Compositing: Worked with the compositing team to polish the final video, ensuring all elements were cohesive and visually appealing.

These iterative edits and strategic decisions were essential in fine-tuning the visual and interactive elements, aligning them perfectly for the final launch video. The Surface Duo 2 project was an incredible opportunity to demonstrate the device's unique capabilities and set a new standard for dual-screen UI animations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Microsoft Surface (@surface)

Director - Daniel Escolin
Producers - Michelle Odo & Ryta Karagodina
1st AD - Kelly Flynn
DP - Nicholas Bupp & Michael O’Neill
AC - Sebastien Thibeau
Production Designer - Kristen Bonnalie
On-Set Dresser - Christina Burubeltz
Set Dresser - Fankie Postiglione & Brent Lamb
Assistant Costumer - Frances Kenny
Hair & Makeup - Erin Beal & Tammy Baker
Gaffer - Kennan Muzzy
Key Grip - Trevor Payne
Best Boy Grip - Warren Yeck & Jim Davis
Locations Manager - Vicky Berglund-Davenport
Audio Engineer - Mike Allen
DIT - Richard Kilpatrick
PA - Kyle Kull
Covid Compliance - Karleena Gore
Motor Home - Emily Goodnight

Creative Director - Brian Townsend
Executive Creative Director - Markus Weickenmeier
3D Motion Designers - Gap Yossanun, Danny Yoon, Kyle Moore
CG Supervisor & 2D Motion Designer - Patrick Flaherty
Roto Artist - Sean Falcon
Music | SFX - Zelig Sound