STARNO.net played a pivotal role in a major advertising campaign for Desjardins, the largest federation of credit unions in North America. The campaign consisted of three high-impact 30-second spots designed to visually translate the concept of community proximity. Each commercial begins with a flyover of distinct residential neighborhoods, starting from individual Desjardins members in front of their homes and soaring toward a central "Caisse" in the downtown core.
To meet extremely tight delivery deadlines without compromising on visual quality, our team utilized a specialized 2.5D VFX methodology. Instead of traditional, time-consuming 3D animation and lighting passes, we modeled the city in 3D and used camera projection techniques. By projecting high-resolution imagery onto 3D geometry, we bypassed the need for complex light rendering, significantly reducing production and render times while maintaining a hyper-realistic photographic aesthetic.
This project was a significant technical challenge that required absolute precision in architectural modeling and texture alignment. The success of this innovative workflow was a turning point for STARNO.net, forever evolving our approach to large-scale environment creation and cementing our reputation for delivering high-end results under pressure.
This reel demonstrates our 2.5D workflow, showcasing how static matte paintings were projected onto 3D geometry to create seamless, photorealistic flyovers. This technique allowed us to achieve cinematic scale and complex camera movements while maintaining the photographic richness of a real urban environment.
The goal of the campaign was to remind members that despite the scale of the financial institution, Desjardins remains deeply rooted in local communities. By literally "connecting the dots" between a member's front door and the financial hub, the video spots created a powerful visual metaphor for accessibility and trust.
At STARNO.net, we pride ourselves on finding creative technical solutions for high-concept ideas. This project stands as a testament to our agility and our ability to leverage 2.5D Matte Painting and 3D projection to create expansive, living worlds that resonate with viewers on an emotional and geographic level.
Frédéric St-Arnaud, Joseph Charette
RODEO FX
ADVERTISING
