Apple’s latest volley against the online surveillance economy is a gently comic nod to Hitchcock and Orwell courtesy of Smuggler director Ivan Zacharias with avaricious metalic avians via VFX shops Legacy Effects and House of Parliament.

TBWA\ Media Arts Lab Los Angeles: “After a thorough study of birds’ movements, behavior and physicality, a set of surveillance birds were designed together with renowned visual effects partners House of Parliament and Legacy Effects, the company behind characters such as Baby Yoda and Groot

“Each bird is designed in relation to its environment. For example, birds found near the ocean have a seagull-like demeanor and appearance; covered in rust, while the cameras perched in dim parking garages are reminiscent of bats. 3D printed models of the birds were then used on set to bring out the best possible performance from the
cast.
 

“After a thorough study of birds’ movements, behavior and physicality, a set of surveillance birds were designed together with renowned visual effects partners House of Parliament and Legacy Effects.”

 
“Director Ivan Zacharias and Academy Award-winning editor Mikkel E. G. Nielsen (Sound of Metal), structured the story of online data surveillance as a spy-like thriller, with a nightmarish crescendo. Sound designer, Gus Coven, visited junk yards searching for different metallic sounds to bring the birds to life. For example, high frequency squeaks for the bats’ wings and a slight ‘hoot’ for the turn of the owl’s head.

“In the end, the digital footage was printed on film stock to achieve the rich cinematic look of the film. It was the final touch that tied every component together in a textured and timeless fashion.”
 
 

 
Client: Apple

Agency: TBWA\ Media Arts Lab Los Angeles

Production: Smuggler
Director: Ivan Zacharias

VFX: Legacy Effects

Post/VFX: House of Parliament

Edit: Rock Paper Scissors
Editor: Mikkel E. G. Nielsen

Color: TRAFIK

Music/Sound: Barking Owl
Music/Sound: Model Citizen