SNS 2024 Showreel

The scope 

As we started this project, we realised that the scope was quite large, and the fact that we had no more than 3 minutes total run time for the animation meant that we had to keep things high-tempo, short, sharp and precise. Sounds like the perfect project for Reuzer.

To get things moving, EEEGR Chair Kevin Keable had carefully crafted a slide deck of approximately 35 slides which would serve as the perfect storyboard and starting point. Kevin wanted to show…

• The history and development of energy in the East of England.
• The key energy hubs in the East of England.
• An overview of EEEGR.
• All of the energy techniques present in the East (gas, wind, solar…).
• The EEEGR 5 Core Principles.
• The future for the East of England.

Ideas and concepts

Some initial options we looked at were to focus on the graphic of a linear timeline, zooming in on the ‘nodes’ of the timeline to then reveal information. This approach would give the animation a back bone for which we could return – helping keep the viewers focused on the content and not guessing or confused as to what was going on.

We also had the options of using 2D, 3D, video or a combination of them all. So we had plenty of tools at our disposal, but limited time – so we had to think fast and get moving.

After much deliberation we eventually decided to use a 3D map of the East of England as the main focal point, and to pair it with real footage and some high tempo thumping bass, which would certainly grab the room’s attention.

Development

One big challenge was to make the map look visually interesting. The map needed energy, it needed to be vibrant and versatile, and by their very nature, maps are quite dull. We wanted it to be 3 dimensional, but also wanted to move away from the traditional ‘Google maps’ 3D look.

After a lot of experimentation we arrived at a look we were happy with, keeping some elements more realistic, but generally using a more stylised striking design. And we played a lot with lighting to make elements light up and glow, drawing the eye to the information, and to add a bit of pizzazz and extra Reuzer WOW factor!

Music was also key. We experimented with it a lot, trying to have something ‘powerful’ to highlight what a huge role the East of England plays in the energy sector. I guess we didn’t just want to place some ‘lounge’ music in the background, as we felt that would be a safe and easy option! So we decided to create some contrast between more light ethereal music and heavy powerful music, to create some drama and highlight certain sections. Often these kind of showreels and animations rely on just one track, but we could throw the rule book out the window for this.

The result

Overall, it was an intense but exciting couple of weeks of work to hit the deadline for the show with a few very late nights. But, what an amazing project! We received lots of positive feedback at the event including an impromptu round of applause, and EEEGR have now put the film on their homepage because they liked it so much.

“The film was outstanding and a complete attention grabber. As it unfolded, people put down their pens and phones and were gripped by its content.

“It was so good we are developing it for much wider use to illustrate the east of England’s industry leadership, expertise, experience and wealth of opportunities.”

Kevin Keable, EEEGR Chair

We consider that a success!