Production Process

The production of the 600th anniversary promotional spot for the city of Łódź was a complex and meticulously crafted endeavor, blending various filmmaking techniques, including 3D animation, virtual set design, green screen compositing, high-speed cinematography, and VFX enhancements.

Pre-19th Century Scenes – 3D Animation

For the sequences depicting the city before the 19th century, full 3D animation was utilized to bring historical settings to life. These scenes were entirely computer-generated, ensuring historical accuracy and immersive visual storytelling. The use of detailed 3D modeling and rendering allowed us to recreate Łódź’s early landscapes and architecture, emphasizing its transformation over the centuries.

Virtual Set Design – 3D Scans of Piotrkowska Street and Manufaktura

To bridge the past with the present, the production incorporated virtual set design. High-resolution 3D scans of Łódź’s iconic locations, including Piotrkowska Street and Manufaktura, were captured and used to construct realistic digital environments. These elements were then seamlessly combined with live-action footage shot on a green screen.

Green Screen Shoot – Phantom Camera & Motion Control Arm

Key scenes featuring actors were filmed against a green screen to allow integration with the digitally reconstructed environments. A Phantom high-speed camera was used, capturing footage at 1,000 frames per second, ensuring stunning slow-motion shots. The use of a motion control robotic arm allowed for precise camera movements, ensuring consistency when merging live-action footage with virtual backgrounds.

Transition to Realistic Drone Footage & VFX Enhancements

As the timeline progressed toward modern-day Łódź, the visual style transitioned from a digital recreation to realistic cinematography. Aerial drone footage was employed to showcase the city’s present-day landmarks, providing a dynamic and expansive perspective. This was further enhanced with VFX, seamlessly blending different time periods and visual styles to create a cohesive and visually striking narrative.

The combination of these advanced filmmaking techniques resulted in a captivating promotional piece that not only celebrated Łódź’s rich history but also showcased its evolution into a modern metropolis.