Framestore, the visual effects specialist, has used projection mapping technology to display animations on a unique British heritage asset.
The firm worked with RHS Garden Wisley to create a display at the site’s historic Laboratory building, creating a memorable visual attraction at the beginning of this year’s festive illuminations trail.
The sculpture is included in ‘Glow,’ a stunning after-dark extravaganza of lights, sounds, and effects that the garden hosts each year throughout the holiday season.
Under the guidance of Framestore’s creative director Gavin Fox and head of design Stephen Goalby, Framestore’s work included concept design, storyboards, animation, and creative development, as well as creative and design direction. The executive producer assisting team members on the project was Lauren Anderson.
Developing the projection
The goal was to bring the tale of the Laboratory to life in a colourful and exciting style that would captivate visitors of all ages. Following an exploratory site visit, three early concepts were developed, and the chosen one was developed into a storyboard and animatic in conjunction with storyboard artist Paul Frankland.
Gavin Fox then directed the animation and chose the soundtrack alongside projection mapping expert and animator Dan Wise.
The final stage was to install the experience and collaborate with projector professionals to re-design the projection process to generate a bright, brilliant, and sharp image onto the building.
“Genuinely excited”
“We used a LIDAR scan of the building to enable us to accurately recreate it in CG and apply believable lighting effects to it,” says Fox. “We synced the projection animation to lighting effects across a large area surrounding the building to give the illusion the projection continues across a huge area and surrounds the guests.”
For maximum impact and to create stunning reflections for the gardens, the fountains in front of the Laboratory on Jellicoe Canal were switched off.
Fox adds: “This was a great opportunity to make something truly site-specific that not only celebrates the history of the space but is just a fun and surprising show. Working hand in hand with the wider experience team allowed us to integrate the animation seamlessly into the lighting and sound design of a massive area. The RHS Garden Wisley team were so genuinely excited about the project it was a pleasure to work on”.
Glow runs from 17 November 2022 – 8 January 2023 at RHS Garden Wisley, with more information about the event and tickets available on the RHS website.
Framestore has also completed work on The Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination, a ticketed exhibition at the Science Museum in London, less than 30 kilometres away from RHS Garden Wisley.
