Chelsea FC team up with The Berry once again, this time to announce Ascott as their new official global hotels partner with a captivating, CGI-fueled social media campaign.

This thumb-stopping social media campaign showcases Ascott’s luxurious hotels around the world, including in Singapore, Japan, China, India, and more, all seamlessly integrated with striking Chelsea FC branding, impressive stunts and extraordinary visuals, all created with CGI.

The videos feature a range of thrilling spectacles, from massive claw machines inside Tokyo skyscrapers and giant banners unfurling, to jets trailing Chelsea blue smoke and statues performing headers.

In addition to the video content, a series of equally exciting stills were produced for online press, social media, and other publications. Though not animated, these stunning images each tell an exciting story in a single frame, featuring helicopters carrying giant footballs, hot air balloons, enormous draped scarves, and balls spilling out of buildings, definitely one-upping your usual architectural photography.

A range of advanced CGI techniques was used in creating the animated films, with each sequence becoming increasingly complex. For instance, cloth simulation was used to achieve the realistic movement of the giant unrolling drapes, while rigid body dynamics brought the claw machine to life as it filled with balls and items.

Interestingly, the entire claw machine sequence was physically simulated, meaning the balls were virtually dropped, and the claw machine had to be “played” in real-time within the software. The Berry CGI team made numerous attempts before finally achieving a successful grab they were satisfied with.

Additionally, the jets were accompanied by smoke particle simulations to create a convincing trail of blue smoke trailing them each in the sky.

CGI simulations are notoriously challenging, requiring plenty of trial and error, but the end results are always well worth the effort!