A lot is already in the making, and we will be back with more soon. As for now, we are all just thrilled to have gotten this client and challenge!

Leonberg came to us with the concept for the character, and an idea for the animataion. Based on this we developed the final look of the character, and modeled him using a particle system for the main body. the particle system allowed us to let the packages form the various shapes seen in the animation.

By engaging the user in conversation through video and interactive content, we wanted to stir interest for the facts and information provided on the site. These facts are important, but the real picture lies beyond mere information. For people living in Fredrikstad, the atmosphere, mood and colors of everyday life are the reasons they enjoy the city. We approached this by talking to nine first hand witnesses, convinced Fredrikstaders.

The process from the intial brief and receiving the manuscript, which was developed by the client in cooperation with Odin Media, was to start with an extensive research process, and then sketching out a storyboard. The storyboard was discussed and adjusted before being used as the basis for making an animatic with sound to get an idea of the timing and flow of the story.

A great deal of planning went into finding the right studio facilities, firearms, gear, costumes, people and equipment. As well as planning the shoot based on what was available to us on the various studio days. We enlisted the experienced Derek Bateman, who has a long track record from BBC, to help us out in this process. Fredriksten Artillerie Compagnie facilitated a lot of the extras, props and costumes while Maaneproduksjoner built the large green screen in their studio. The green screen was large enough to comfortably fit groups of eight people running, and even a horse!

After six long days of shooting, we were left with 18 hours of raw material. This went into editing, and we spent the next two months editing, making 3D elements, compositing and adding visual effects. Testing this on location was obviously crucial, as seeing the film on the stone wall is quite different compared to viewing it on a computer monitor. On location testing throughout the finishing phase of the project allowed us to change exposure, timing, colors, movement and contrasts several times before we were fully satisfied.

This has been a remarkable and truly extraordinary learning experience. We are proud to have made this, and have largely in part our client and hired help to thank for this.

We had great help from people like Derek Bateman on camera and planning, Jonas Bjerketvedt on sound design, and a lot of people in front of the camera making it all come alive.

Starting November 26th the project will be screened every night at Fredriksten Fortress in Halden, Norway.

SpareBank 1 is one of our bigger clients. For this particular client we have put together a “Task force agency”, which in addition to Netron is co-piloted by Lena Roer on copy, and Vibeke Jerkaas on print design. The process so far has taken us through numerous campaigns and stunts. We have worked on overall strategy, campaigns, numerous print- and web ads and two generations of the web-site www.vierderduer.no. The latest version was conceptualized by Netron and SpareBank 1, and was developed by a third party.

Making suchinteractive installations is a first for us, and everyone in Netron is involved. Our contribution of three installations is small part of the total, but we have put a lot of time and effort into making these installations stand out.

The Science center opened August 2011