Press Release
Blur Studio Helps Spider-Man Triumph Over Evil in Spot for Toy Biz
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Santa Monica, Calif. (May 16, 2002) -- Blur Studio has created computer animation showing Spiderman pursuing his nemesis the Green Goblin in a wild chase through New York City for a new commercial for Toy Biz. Conceived by New York agency Berenter Greenhouse & Webster, the commercial promotes a new Spider-Man Web Shooter toy and mixes live action sequences showing a boy playing with the toy and fantasy computer animation.
The opening shot reveals Spider-Man swinging by a strand of web between the high-rises of a cityscape. The switch from reality to fantasy occurs when a boy straps on the toy and turns toward a mirror where he sees, not his own image, but that of Spider-Man who snares Green Goblin in a web fired from the Web Shooter toy. The introduction of the toy is related to the Columbia Pictures feature film Spider-Man set for a May release. [an error occurred while processing this directive]
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Blur Studio artists modeled the Spider-Man and Green Goblin characters after their representation in the upcoming movie, which was a challenge as reference frames of the latter were limited. “Our team worked extremely hard to get the details right,” explained Blur Studio creative director Tim Miller. “We are comic book fanatics and feel a special obligation to treat these characters with respect. Spider-Man has millions of fans who can instantly tell if something is wrong or out of place.”
Artists gave particular attention to perfecting the eerie glow that emanates from Green Goblin’s body and to the catlike quality of his movement. The Blur Studio team also gave meticulous care to preparing the environment, a photo-real representation of New York City, with the Chrysler Building visible in the background.
Blur Studio also created a 3D logo animation for Berenter Greenhouse & Webster for use in a series of commercials promoting Toy Biz’ line of Lord of the Rings toys. Animators created a 3D model of the magical gold ring of the series title. A group of action figures appear inside the photo-real ring, which spins slowly shrouded in a purplish haze.
Credits for Blur Studio go to Tim Miller, creative director; Aaron Powell, CG supervisor; Al Shier, producer; Neil Blevins, Sam Gebhardt, Noel McGinn, Kirby Miller and Jeff Weisend, animators. Credits for Berenter Greenhouse & Webster, New York, include Bill Berenter and Marty Greenhouse, creative directors; Heather Eyrich, producer and Julius Weil, art director. The live action was produced by Tag Team, Los Angeles; Kevin Dole, director; Cynthia Wright, executive producer.
About Blur Studio
Blur Studio provides 3D animation, visual effects and motion graphics design services for feature films, entertainment television, television advertising, interactive games, large format films and location-based entertainment. Principles Tim Miller and David Stinnett have assembled a talented crew and superior technology, creating an environment in which artists thrive. With a relentless dedication to creating quality imagery and superior 3D animation, the focus at Blur is on creativity. Recent credits include the ride films Batman: The Ride and Stan Lee’s 7th Portal 3D Simulation Experience and Star Trek: World Tour, television promos for NBCi, Kids! WB and the SCI FI Channel; commercials for Hasbro, MySimon.com, Mattel Hot Wheels, Anderson Consulting and America Online; and the main title for the television series Robotica. The company’s broadcast design division has created motion graphics for such clients as the U.S. Army Reserve, The Billboard Music Awards, The Teen Choice Awards and Universal Citywalk.
Blur Studio is located at 1118 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291. For more information, call (310) 581-8848.
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