Studio Liddell

Graham English & Co were briefed to make a 20 min film sequence for Saudi Arabia's K.A.C.A.R.E. With finite oil and gas reserves and Saudi's electricity demand projected to triple in 20 years, King Abdullah sanctioned the building of a whole city in Riyadh, focussing on renewable energy and harnessing the country's natural resources. The Kingdom is investing heavily to develop the technology and human capacity required to build an important new sector focused on alternative energy.

The Mishkat exhibition was created to educate and inform on this huge project. We were approached by GE&Co to create CGI sequences for the film showing various energy production processes, shown within live action and location filmed sequences.

Concentrating on solar, wind, sea, nuclear and geothermal production processes, along with creating a dramatic opening and ending scene, we followed a carefully planned storyboard. Full CGI desert scenes were created around 3D built energy production plants, which were realistically lit to show how they would look in reality when built. As the CGI sequences had to blend seamlessly with actual filmed sequences, we paid close attention to detail with regards to sunlight, terrain and colour in that part of the world.

The final film is an exciting and informative mix of visual media. Live action footage shot on location and in studio, mixes with digital VFX and full CGI sequences, to form an enthralling and visually vibrant journey from start to finish. To ensure image quality across the curved panoramic 16 metre projection screen, all of the elements, including the live action, were created at a 4K resolution.