Cantroller

Framestore is used to working with the latest and greatest technology, so when we were approached by DDB Chicago to showcase the intricate workings of a brand new high-tech toy, we couldn’t wait to dive in. The state-of-the-art accessory? A Miller Lite beer can that doubles as a fully functional video game controller.

Led by Creative Director Anthony Gibbs, Framestore was tasked with bringing the Cantroller to life on screen by deconstructing the device, and offering a look at its inner workings through slick 3D and motion design. The team also added drama to the spot with atmospherics and color grade. The spot features comedian Eric Andre, who will be hosting a video game competition at E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, where certain lucky players can win their own Cantroller.

animation of a controller that is a beer can. it has been split up into layers to show its functionality

The spot follows two menacing security guards as they drive an armored van down a dark and deserted back alley street and stop at an undisclosed location, where they deliver a sleek unmarked box. As if by magic, the box pops open and fog rolls out to reveal the Cantroller which springs into the air and seamlessly pulls apart to display the masterful tech inside. As the can explodes, graphic annotations and circuitry animate around it, highlighting the various key innovations - Bluetooth, lithium Ion battery, haptic feedback, micro USB charging, and of course, beer. It’s nothing you’d ever expect from a can.

a close up view of an animated beer can that has been split up into layers to show its functionality. there are two texts on each side; 'bluetooth' and 'lithium-ion' that display its functionality

To inject energy into the Cantroller’s movement, the team added clean graphic bezels to frame the components, so that when it broke apart it had real energy without feeling destructive. As the first of its kind, the team had to ensure that Cantroller’s functionality was quickly and easily understood, so successfully hitting the timing and animation beats was crucial. ‘There were so many features to highlight in a relatively short time,’ said Gibbs, ‘striking a balance between maintaining a level of dynamism and allowing enough time to digest the graphics was a fine balance to strike.’

front view of a beer can inside of a frame. there is mist surrounding the frame

Despite the intensity of the spot, the careful marriage of the photoreal CG and motion graphics resulted in sophisticated and beautiful details. Careful attention was paid to the condensation and water vapour effects, making sure to highlight ice cold Miller Lite beer inside. Andre’s performance tied the piece together, breaking the tense build up of the spot with an energetic call to action for players.