The Receipt
Walmart challenged Hollywood directors Antoine Fuqua, Marc Forster and filmmaking partners Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg to each make a one-minute film based on the six items of a single Walmart receipt. Framestore partnered with Marc Forster to deliver his film 'Lost & Found' within 'The Receipt' campaign.
As usual, Framestore was not just your usual VFX house: they are essentially creative partners, going beyond what one expects as a director. Right after I conceived the idea I included them in all phases of pre-production until final delivery.
Production
The inspiration for this film was a Walmart receipt listing bananas, a scooter, paper towels, wrapping paper, a video baby monitor and batteries. Shot on location at the Salton Sea in California, Framestore enhanced this beautifully filmed, post-apocalyptic world with sky replacements, CG robots, matte painting extensions and other composited elements, all within a short turnaround of less than two weeks.
Concept Art
Having been involved in pre-production, Framestore had roughly sketched layouts for every shot and styleframes based on images from the tech scout. With a clear vision from Marc Forster, the design and concept artists were able to rapidly iterate robot designs to establish what would work within the shots. The concepts were in a more painterly fashion than photoreal, which also aided the process. It was important to create a dystopian feel that was almost romantic, as opposed to full of despair; to soften the overall look Framestore's artists painted on childlike faces and illustrations over the robot bodies, providing an opportunity for some subtle storytelling that hopefully leaves the audience with a few questions.
Behind The Scenes
What we like best is Marc's collaborative approach. VFX is not just an afterthought, it is part of his workflow, without ever making it a gimmick, substituting or compromising well-crafted, solid filmmaking.
There is mutual trust with Marc, and we can send ideas and concepts any time for immediate feedback—which is the best way to give him all he wants: beautiful images telling a powerful story.
Through Michael I had immediate communication and direct access to the VFX team. They developed their shots extremely efficiently, shared the work immediately and in doing so, surpassed all my expectations of what was possible within such a short time.
Press
See Seth Rogen's 'bananas' musical for Walmart's Oscars campaign - Campaign
Walmart Goes Hollywood, Tapping Star Directors for Oscars Campaign - Advertising Age
See Walmart's Oscars Mini Films From Four A-List Hollywood Directors - Advertising Age
SHOOT Behind The Scenes (BTS) Photo Contest Selects Winner, Runner-Up, and Honorable Mentions For Summer 2017 Edition - SHOOT Online
Credits
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