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MIR Visuals
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Tell me about getting the Al-Sabah project? Why did a Saudi project choose a Norwegian firm to make the visualisation?
Mats: The Internet makes us visible. But in this case we actually called
the architects a while back, and proposed a collaboration on a different Kuwaiti project. That lead us directly to this Al Sabah project. I think they where interested in what we could offer and I am glad we could satisfy their needs.
Trond: I believe that many of our clients choose to work with us because of our non-technical approach. We consider LightWave an image-making tool, not a 3D program. Hopefully, this approach is visible in our images, as we aim to produce images that have a more
organic feel to them. |
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What was the animation used for?
Mats: It was computer-based. I believe the client made a DVD, but we just made a 900x450 pixel file. It was used to promote the design to the big bosses in Kuwait. And also the architect are using it to market themselves.
Why did you feel the need to move to animation?
Trond: This has to do with many things. First, as the bandwidth of the internet is expanding, distribution of animations is made more available. This, in turn, means that our clients are more likely to justify the extra cost. Secondly, we now have the manpower, CPU power and skills to offer animation-services of high quality.
Mats: It is also exciting and very interesting to work with moving images. The ability to move in spaces, interaction and editing between clips and use music to amplify the message is like having a bunch of new tools and machines in the workshop/garage. Apart from this animations has caused money loss, and the agony of late hour work over too long periods of time. So its more the urge to challenge ourselves and see if we are competitive that makes us do animations. |
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Do you ever feel constrained by the architectural firm wanting lots of bright lighting, 2D people and the like to fit the perceived client need, rather than being able to express your artistic sides?
Trond: Always! We are constantly looking for clients that have a more visionary approach to visual communication . What we prefer is clients that lets us play around with the look and feel of the images, and trust our instinct. If we could work only for clients that understand the value of uniqueness I could live with half the salary. Especially Norwegian clients that are too afraid of doing stuff that sets them apart from the herd. They always point at something mediocre and say: I want that, only with a happy, beautiful woman in front - and without the shadows. It's a fight :) |
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Do you have to remodel the plans that the architectural firms give you, or are their models ready for use?
Trond: That depends on the client. Many of our clients don't even know how they want their buildings to look like before we start. Some of our clients do amazingly detailed models, and that is always lovely. |
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