September 15, 2018

Technicolor’s MPC and FX Networks Partner to Create a Visually Stunning Global Campaign for American Horror Story: Apocalypse

MPC and FX create nine abstract teasers for AHS: Apocalypse – each a unique standalone filmic piece.

FX Networks has a long-standing creative relationship with Technicolor creative studio MPC and has also worked with MPC’s Managing Director Robert Owens for more than 12 years. MPC has partnered with the network to create campaigns for FX’s highest profile programming, including critically acclaimed projects such as Atlanta, Legion, Snowfall, and the wildly popular anthology series, American Horror Story.

For the latest installment American Horror Story: Apocalypse, MPC handled the VFX for nine teasers set in its futuristic post-apocalyptic world. Each is a unique standalone filmic piece, with MPC’s VFX team applying their utmost VFX know-how and creativity to make the supernatural sequences look as photo-real as possible.

For example, in the “Fall Out” teaser, a woman’s hair is being brushed with a demonic comb and large clumps of hair fall out  – a challenge that Morten Vinther, Creative Director at MPC’s LA studio, described as “ a campaign that really allowed us to flex our creative muscles. We created a full head of hair in CG [including] taking the lighting and shadows into consideration to make it look as realistic and disturbing as possible.”

In “Hush,” a baby covered in a red substance is given a pacifier by a devil-like hand. Using both an animatronic and an actual baby, the team got the effects they desired while also capturing the range of emotions of a real baby in a fully CG baby.

Owens sums up the relationship between MPC and FX Networks as one of trust: “The teams both at FX and MPC trust and value each other’s creative opinions, making stunning breakthrough promos for truly exceptional TV shows.”

He continues: “We work as one creative team helping them make their unique and imaginative concepts a reality. Each campaign is like a small movie. The team works collaboratively to find the most original approach to each idea.”

Stephanie Gibbons, FX’s President Marketing, Creative and Digital Media, adds, “Robert and MPC are exquisite. They are with us every step of the way from shoot through finish. We are tied at the hip and rely on their visionary VFX expertise to elevate every concept.”

As partners and as viewers, we look forward to many more collaborations!

 

Check out a behind the scenes making of “Hush.”