A Leading innovator,
in the UK space sector
CASE STUDY
MAGDRIVE
Last year Orchard was approached to create still and moving content for Magdrive, a leading innovator in the UK’s space sector. The visuals were part of a package used to launch the company’s new rebrand and website. We were tasked with creating videos and images detailing three Electric Propulsion Thrusters, the Rogue, Warlock and Super Magdrive. The overarching creative brief was that each of the products had to stand apart and have a distinct identity, but also coherently sit together coherently as a family of products.
MAGDRIVE - WARLOCK
The first stage of the project was to prep the CAD files provided for each of the products. The provided models were exact replicas of the products and highly complex, containing every nut, bolt and wire required for the final factory build. Due to this complexity CAD files are often very heavy to work with, and require a lot of stripping back so that only the components required for the stills are visible. Any complex mesh hiding and out of sight are completely removed, leaving a streamlined light weight model. Once the models were completely stripped back, certain elements had to be adapted, this included making adjustments to the outer chassis, remodeling any low-poly components and integrating the unique product logos.
SUPER MAGDRIVE
The creative brief was to a create distinct identity for each of the products, a unique look to set each of the products apart. It was important that the approach to texturing each of the products was in keeping with the overall brand identity and was stylistically complementary to the new website design. To ensure this was carried through, we worked very closely with the Brand Consultancy Greene & Sons who were responsible for the overall rebrand of Magdrive. This presented certain challenges as the visuals had to both resonate with the brand, but also had to be visually accurate and representative of the final product. Striking this balance affected all aspects of the creative process, from initial modelling, to texturing, lighting and final comp.
Once the look of each product was signed off we then moved on to the animation stage. The animation brief was to reveal the inner workings of the thrusters by removing the outer panels and revealing select parts of the machinery. To accommodate this all the models were adapted during the initial model prep stage, so the outer casing could be removed in a specific area. This meant in most cases the outer chassis of thrusters had to be broken up and remodeled accurately in order to work for the purposes of the animation.
MAGDRIVE - ROGUE
This was a truly fascinating project to be a part of, and tapped into our childlike wonder of all things space. The space sector is a huge emerging market for the UK, and since the launch of the new website Magdrive has seen over a billion pounds in investment. Hopefully propelling Magdrive’s thruster technology for years to come. To view our work in situ, please head over magdrive.space
