Publicis Sapient
Video Series “The How Channel”
Role: Inserts Director
Agency: Publicis Sapient // www.publicissapient.com
Client: The How Channel
Designed and directed insert shots for Publicis Sapients ‘The How Channel’.
Approached the 12 episode series with the intention to build a batch library of scenes and composites. In addition to these ‘scenes, I designed different surfaces and technology devices to display archival and digital information with. The series spans the topic of AI, ghost kitchens, public transportation, and urban isolation.
/ 12 Episode Digital Series
/ ‘Minitures’ Scenes
/ Devices + Information Compositing
Director
[Art]
Collaborated closely with writer / producer Jeanette Moreland and editor Fia Ramo for the “How Channel” insert shots. The process started by building a unique aesthetic to match the theme of the educational series. I then identified several key environments from 12 episode scripts and sourced props for both larger scenes and individual moments. Worked off the script to create a shot list that included practical effects like lighting and motion. Communicated the shot list and storyboard with production and crew during pre-production meetings and directed the shots on set.
/ Visual Direction
/ Storyboards + Shot List
/ Directing on Set
Spaces for Information
Inspired by urban advertising displays, I designed the miniature city to include spaces to composite information onto. As the “How Channel” is an educational series that relies on expert interviews to lead the format. These insert shots supported each fact, without deviating from our miniature world.
Retro Futurism
Production Design
The aesthetic was inspired by cement brutalist cities. Because most of the episodes included commentary on technology and urban environments, building a larger ‘city scene’ to capture our smaller script moments, felt right. Leaned on a contemporary cool and red color palette to make the cement pop and brought in a white tile floor for lighting reflection. We were very lucky to have been able to use the artwork of architect Tron Le to build out the city landscape. Each miniature scene was meticulously designed and resourced with the help of production.
Camera
Because our props were primarily still, we utilized several practical lighting and in camera effects to add motion and depth to the scenes.We used macro and wide lenses to create movement; wipes, pans, and lens pulls.
Lighting
Approached lighting as an overhead set and directed the lighting similar to a product photoshoot. In our city landscape, we had a larger source light, point and spot lights for smaller scenes, and decorative lighting to create different moments. Relied on practical lighting to add life and movement to the shots as well as directional framed lighting to create our “projection” moments. Worked closely with the DP and Gaffer to execute a pre-determined palette and build out of each individual scene.
How Channel Episodes 1-3
Credits
Publicis Sapient:
Jeanette Moreland
Fia Ramo
Nora Neus
Production:
Annalise Yuri Murphy
Nathan Golon
Adam Benn