Merge Gardens is a journey of perpetual discovery fused with blissful organisation, challenging puzzles, and that beautifully therapeutic feeling of ticking off tasks on a to-do list.
Campaign
After the introduction trailer “Rooted in Mystery” which marked the beginning of this highly successful campaign, we delved deeper into the mysteries of the Myrtlegrove mansion as Daisy discovers her ability to peer into the past.
We found that incorporating historical flashbacks into the campaign's overall narrative was an engaging way to convey the characters' backstories. In the second trailer for Merge Gardens, this premise is introduced, showcasing Mike, a private investigator from the '80s with a less-than-impressive intellect, who is awakened through the magical powers of Daisy. The encounter between the present and the past offers an intriguing opportunity to delve into the comedic conflict that arises when a man with attributes and values from the 80s crosses paths with women of today.
Stranger From The Past
Mike, a hotshot detective from the 80’s, investigating the disappearance of a local gardener, finds himself trapped in the mysterious Myrtlegrove Estate for years until Daisy’s curious touch on his topiary brings him back and awakens Daisy's newfound power to peer into the past.
Client
Agency
Production Co.
Director
Futureplay
Bond
Milford Animation Studios
Kim Hagen Jensen
Campaign
After the introduction trailer “Rooted in Mystery” which marked the beginning of this highly successful campaign, we delved deeper into the mysteries of the Myrtlegrove mansion as Daisy discovers her ability to peer into the past.
We found that incorporating historical flashbacks into the campaign's overall narrative was an engaging way to convey the characters' backstories. In the second trailer for Merge Gardens, this premise is introduced, showcasing Mike, a private investigator from the '80s with a less-than-impressive intellect, who is awakened through the magical powers of Daisy. The encounter between the present and the past offers an intriguing opportunity to delve into the comedic conflict that arises when a man with attributes and values from the 80s crosses paths with women of today.
Stranger From The Past
Mike, a hotshot detective from the 80’s, investigating the disappearance of a local gardener, finds himself trapped in the mysterious Myrtlegrove Estate for years until Daisy’s curious touch on his topiary brings him back and awakens Daisy's newfound power to peer into the past.
Client
Production Co.
Agency
Director
Animation
Futureplay
Milford
Bond
Kim Hagen Jensen
Milford
Timelapse
A storytelling challenge we had was to transport Mike 40 years in time within a short narrative time frame. We created a classic time lapse effect to convey the passage of decades. A technique that involves capturing a series of images at regular intervals over an extended period and playing them back at a normal or accelerated speed.
To create the perfect illusion of time passing quickly, we focused on changes in clouds, vegetation, and prominent environmental details. We meticulously crafted each element to accurately depict the gradual transformation over the years, aiming to replicate the illusion of a filmed sequence. Our dedicated team of modellers and VFX artists worked closely with the lighting team to ensure a smooth transition, representing the passage of time. The outcome is a visually captivating portrayal of the story's essence, illustrating how decades unfold in just a few seconds.
Myrtlegove garden
To convey a cinematic ambiance into the CG world, director Kim-Hagen Jensen collaborated closely with our CG team to transform the Myrtlegove garden into a beautiful spot.
By harnessing the power of sunlight, mist, and carefully curated plant sections, we crafted a mesmerising blend of elements that transported the audience on a mysterious journey through the garden. By incorporating classic camera techniques, using deliberate shot angles and manipulation of perspectives, we effectively conveyed a range of emotions and fostered dynamic moods within our narrative. To seamlessly blend our animated world with a cinematic experience, we applied a range of lens effects during the post-production process.
Embracing 80’s style with Mike
Our intention was to create a character that would transport people back in time, evoking a sense of nostalgia and capturing the attention of everyone in the room. To achieve this, we drew inspiration from the vibrant 80s and the iconic Miami Vice series to carefully craft Mike’s appearance.
Every detail, from the choice of pastel colours to the meticulously rolled-up sleeves, and even his accessories like the red iconic sports car, the classic calculator watch, and the iconic analogue snap camera for instant pictures, was thoughtfully designed to ensure that Mike embodied the iconic style of the era. With his striking fashion sense and attention to detail, Mike truly stands as a living embodiment of the vibrant and unforgettable spirit of the 80s.
Dance Garden - Move Your Body
What could add more to the '80s look and feel of this trailer, despite a song that Mike will jam with while driving his red Testarossa on his way to solve a mysterious case?
In response to devoted fans seeking the full version of this song, Futureplay decided to fulfill their wishes by creating the original track, "Move Your Body" by Dancegarden.
Dance Garden
What could add more to the '80s look and feel of this trailer, despite a song that Mike will jam with while driving his red Testarossa on his way to solve a mysterious case?
In response to devoted fans seeking the full version of this song, Futureplay decided to fulfill their wishes by creating the original track, "Move Your Body" by Dancegarden.
Dance Garden
What could add more to the '80s look and feel of this trailer, despite a song that Mike will jam with while driving his red Testarossa on his way to solve a mysterious case?
In response to devoted fans seeking the full version of this song, Futureplay decided to fulfill their wishes by creating the original track, "Move Your Body" by Dancegarden.
Music Production
To elevate the 80s experience our sound department made an original song that Mike could sing on his journey into the unknown. Our composer Hasse Schumacher immersed himself in the music and film scores of that era.
He sought inspiration from the melodies and infectious hooks that defined the sound of the 80s. With a vision to craft an upbeat, uptempo score that features instantly recognizable hook and melody, countless hours were spent meticulously fine-tuning each element of the score, carefully selecting instruments, synth sounds, and production techniques that captured the essence of the 80s era. The end result is a catchy and vibrant score that transports viewers back to the 80s and brings the story to life in Merge Gardens.
You’ve done such an excellent job putting so complex together and keeping the superb quality up throughout! You are a legendary level team!
- Samuli Snellman, Art Lead at Futureplay -
As we ventured further into the secrets of the mansion, we amplified the intrigue surrounding the garden by introducing a new character. Evergrowth is a rooted plant that seems to possess a mind of its own. In this trailer, we uncover its probable involvement as the driving force behind the metamorphosis of people into topiaries, shedding light on Mike's presence since the 80s. This enigmatic entity, encompassing both light and darkness, is poised to play a larger role as Daisy's story and her connection to the mansion unfold. Stay tuned for more!
Stranger From The Past
Client
Agency
Production Co
Director
Future Play
Bond
Milford Animation Studios
Kim Hagen Jensen
Mike, a hotshot detective fro the 80’s, investigating the disappearance of a local gardener, finds himself trapped in the mysterious Myrtlegrove Estate for years until Daisy’s curious touch on his topiary brings him back and awakens Daisy's newfound power to peer into the past.
Stranger From The Past
Client
Agency
Production Co
Director
Future Play
Bond
Milford Animation Studios
Kim Hagen Jensen
Mike, a hotshot detective from the 80’s, investigating the disappearance of a local gardener, finds himself trapped in the mysterious Myrtlegrove Estate for years until Daisy’s curious touch on his topiary brings him back and awakens Daisy's newfound power to peer into the past.
Timelapse
A storytelling challenge we had was to transport Mike 40 years in time within a short narrative time frame. We created a classic time lapse effect to convey the passage of decades. A technique that involves capturing a series of images at regular intervals over an extended period and playing them back at a normal or accelerated speed.
To create the perfect illusion of time passing quickly, we focused on changes in clouds, vegetation, and prominent environmental details. We meticulously crafted each element to accurately depict the gradual transformation over the years, aiming to replicate the illusion of a filmed sequence. Our dedicated team of modellers and VFX artists worked closely with the lighting team to ensure a smooth transition, representing the passage of time. The outcome is a visually captivating portrayal of the story's essence, illustrating how decades unfold in just a few seconds.
Myrtlegove garden
To convey a cinematic ambiance into the CG world, director Kim-Hagen Jensen collaborated closely with our CG team to transform the Myrtlegove garden into a beautiful spot.
By harnessing the power of sunlight, mist, and carefully curated plant sections, we crafted a mesmerising blend of elements that transported the audience on a mysterious journey through the garden. By incorporating classic camera techniques, using deliberate shot angles and manipulation of perspectives, we effectively conveyed a range of emotions and fostered dynamic moods within our narrative. To seamlessly blend our animated world with a cinematic experience, we applied a range of lens effects during the post-production process.
Embracing 80’s style with Mike
Our intention was to create a character that would transport people back in time, evoking a sense of nostalgia and capturing the attention of everyone in the room. To achieve this, we drew inspiration from the vibrant 80s and the iconic Miami Vice series to carefully craft Mike’s appearance.
Every detail, from the choice of pastel colours to the meticulously rolled-up sleeves, and even his accessories like the red iconic sports car, the classic calculator watch, and the iconic analogue snap camera for instant pictures, was thoughtfully designed to ensure that Mike embodied the iconic style of the era. With his striking fashion sense and attention to detail, Mike truly stands as a living embodiment of the vibrant and unforgettable spirit of the 80s.
Music Production
To elevate the 80s experience our sound department made an original song that Mike could sing on his journey into the unknown. Our composer Hasse Schumacher immersed himself in the music and film scores of that era.
He sought inspiration from the melodies and infectious hooks that defined the sound of the 80s. With a vision to craft an upbeat, uptempo score that features instantly recognizable hook and melody, countless hours were spent meticulously fine-tuning each element of the score, carefully selecting instruments, synth sounds, and production techniques that captured the essence of the 80s era. The end result is a catchy and vibrant score that transports viewers back to the 80s and brings the story to life in Merge Gardens.
You’ve done such an excellent job putting so complex together and keeping the superb quality up throughout! You are a legendary level team!
- Samuli Snellman, Art Lead at Futureplay -
As we ventured further into the secrets of the mansion, we amplified the intrigue surrounding the garden by introducing a new character. Evergrowth is a rooted plant that seems to possess a mind of its own. In this trailer, we uncover its probable involvement as the driving force behind the metamorphosis of people into topiaries, shedding light on Mike's presence since the 80s. This enigmatic entity, encompassing both light and darkness, is poised to play a larger role as Daisy's story and her connection to the mansion unfold. Stay tuned for more!
