Department of Defence's ADSTAR Summit Visuals - A Case Study

Approached by the Department of Defence, Jumbla were asked to visualise the future of technology, science and research for over 1700 attendees at this year's 2022 ADSTAR Summit.

Passing through complicated data networks whilst showcasing the latest vehicle, air force and naval advances, the corporate piece is visually unified using a moody, sci-fi inspired palette and visual language.

ADSTAR wanted to feel futuristic and at the forefront of technology, and as this animation was to essentially get the audience hyped about the summit while giving them a little bit of a brief overview about what ADSTAR does, without diving too deep.

Using a mixture of holographic 3D elements, bold typography and seamless transitions, this project was an exciting challenge spanning the team's diverse skillset. Created primarily in After Effects using 3D models in Element 3D, as well as Cinema 4D, our artists used plugins like plexus and trapcode and some trusty stock HUD graphics to help meet the projects tight timeframe.

Element 3D is a third-party 3D plug-in built inside Adobe After Effects (primarily a 2D motion design program), that allows for real-time rendering of 3D graphics similar to how Unreal Engine works for video games. The difference is that Element 3D is geared more towards motion designers and has specific tools within that are more suitable for motion graphic creation, whereas Unreal Engine might be used for world-building.

For events like ADSTAR that require a scientific, futuristic graphic style, however do not necessarily have a larger budget for 3D production, it’s often suitable to use plug-ins like Element 3D to create more stylized, less realistic looking graphics. Not only are the render times very fast compared to traditional 3D, but designers are able to stay within a single piece of software, which is much more efficient than moving between various programs just to make several changes.

This type of workflow is preferred with animations that connect through clever transitions. Because of the nature of these movements, designers often go back and forth to alter the timing of certain shots so they connect together seamlessly. Staying within a single piece of software allows for the designer to apply both 2D design and 3D animation at the same time, and see the result instantly - meaning it’s much quicker to work.

This technical approach paired with the team's thorough video production process of storyboarding, animation and compositing, gave the Department of Defence the opportunity to follow along on our production journey and see their visuals come to life quickly, even on such a short time-frame.

The end result is a clean, vibrant motion graphics film, delving into the best of the Defence force's newest technological and scientific advances that blew the audience away and was extremely well received.