SDA Pro Tour
Season Tour Cinematic
Client
SDA Pro Tour
Disciplines
3D, Creative Direction, Motion
Tools
After Effects, Blender, Premiere Pro
#01
Discovery
Having worked with the SDA Pro Tour for several years, I've been lucky enough to explore various styles for their annual Season Trailers. Finding new ways of telling a story while staying true to a client's style and brand is a space I love to work within.
Some initial explorations at bringing in some of the game's most iconic elements with an unexpected presentation.
#02
Design
One of the best pieces of reference SDA provided was the production files for their season’s custom racket. They were the perfect 3D references, so I knew I had to get that built ASAP.
Alongside the racket, I also modeled distinguishable elements of the game (a squash ball, court layout, glass backs, etc.) and assembled rigs that brought dynamics each of the objects.
But this is squash doubles. Twice as many players on the court, making the pace of each match truly exhilerhating. I wanted to highlight the immense talent on the tour, so I visited the archives of media SDA provided from previous championships and close the spot with a rapid succession of stylized stills of top players. That human element!
3D animation for the SDA Pro Tour Season trailer. "20 Events" in a stylized font on the back of a squash court's glass, revealed as the court "builds itself".
#03
Delivery
One thing I appreciate most about the SDA is their complete trust and collaboration throughout the process, even something as sometimes obscure and long arc as a 3D animated spot. Talking through iterations, receiving references and racket design concepts from their team, and trusting the process from pre-production to delivery makes them the perfect client to work with.
Being given the freedom to explore new avenues was the key to bringing this project to life. This is definitely one of those "unicorn" projects where creative freedom matched with meaningful collaboration produces an amazing final result.
"Hopefully, we'll book your some availability to do more of these… everyone loves your work around here!"