Cannes Lions

Pharrell, 21 Savage and Tyler, The Creator - Cash In Cash Out

ELECTRIC THEATRE COLLECTIVE, London / I AM OTHER / 2023

Original Content
Supporting Content

Overview

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Credits

Overview

Background

This project came about at the start of the pandemic in 2020. All live-action production came to a halt. In order to make something spectacular, Francois Rousellet had to conceive an idea that utilised a full CG approach. His idea was born out of a visual representation of the repetitive hook on the track, which lead Francois into exploring the zoetrope. Whilst the content was to be generated entirely in CG, Francois wanted the audience to question if it had actually been made and shot for real. We honoured the physics & maths of the zoetrope as if we were building it for real. The mechanics require 24 frame animation loops, with 24 versions of each animation placed on the zoetrope. It’s then spun & strobe light is used to create the illusion of movement, in the same way as if we had really built it.

Idea

As mentioned the idea was born out of a visual representation of the repetitive hook on the track, which led Francious into exploring a zoetrope approach.

The characters & scenes were caricatured in a toy style, but the CG had to be photographic. The mechanics require 24 frame animation loops, with 24 versions of each animation placed on the zoetrope. It’s then spun & strobe light is used to create the illusion of movement, in the same way as if we had really built it.

Each character, down to their clothing or what bike they are on is all to do with their personality. The music video has the traditional characteristics of a rap/hip-hop music video but how you have never seen before.

Pharrell was in constant contact with Division to ensure his brand was portrayed in the way he wanted it to be

Strategy

We do not have access to this information with audience insights specifically.

Execution

A groundbreakingly original concept Music Video born out of the pandemic that required many months of high-end CGI.

Outcome

22,195,318 views on Youtube since it premiered Jun 10, 2022

Comments include:

‘’respect to the visual effects company, the team that animated this to look like stop animation. One of the most original music videos I've ever seen’’

‘’The visuals are perfect. Down to the lighting, shadows, and reflections. The attention to detail is truly amazing’’

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