Framestore prevized the entire spot, blocking out each scene using location data and preliminary set designs. Educating final production builds and method.

We did a lot of work to place all of the characters realistically in different environments. The live action was shot mostly on green screen with minimal sets so there was a huge amount work on backgrounds in every scene, both digital enhancements and full creation using a mixture of digital matte painting and 2.5d compositing.

It had to feel festive so there was additional set dressing. Whole towns were filled with Christmas lights and re-engineered to feel crisp and misty.

We built a digital double for Santa and a full CG sleigh, sack and presents matching the one in camera. Both were for mostly for the more dynamic, wide shots. The reins and harness were simulated alongside the simulation for fur and muscles to create realistic interaction and tension as they pull and interact with the sleigh and themselves.

The reindeer were built from concept, and character sketch.

Then onto 3d sculpt followed by lookdev for skin, fur, fat and muscle dynamics, hooves to teeth and more. And compositing used to adjust lighting, hair softness, wetness of lips and eyelids, as well as colour intensity