Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs

Making of Nescafé Gold Blend TVC by MPC

A mother and son set out on an epic trip in search of dinosaurs, featuring running commentary from a visionary played by ‘The Missing’ actor Tcheky Karyo. The spot was filmed amongst the stunning scenery of South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park; the world famous rock Amphitheatre slightly augmented by the VFX team forms part of the scenery.

Directed by Park Pictures duo Christian & Patrick, the 60” spot was a huge undertaking for the VFX team, with multiple dinosaurs created from scratch and impressive matte paintings including an animated lava-spewing volcano designed as backdrops.

Jon Park supervised the 3D team in the creation of the Jurassic creatures, with a main focus on the T-rex and her babies. He explains, “Each dinosaur was treated individually, with the team modelling and rigging herds of brachiosaurus, pterodactyls, stegosaurus and the iconic T-rex. As there was no stand in reference on set, (save from various crew members undertaking dinosaur role play!) the lighting, measurements and even crocodile skin references acquired by our shoot supervisor Jim Radford were indispensable.”

Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs

Shooting conditions in the park proved challenging, with a daily two-hour hike to locations with the team carrying all the kit required. Local Zulu guides were employed to help with the more treacherous terrain, including crossing a rocky stream via a rope bridge.

Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs

Back in the studio, VFX Supervisor Dan Sanders led the team in creating a prehistoric look and integrating the CG dinosaurs. In addition to the matte painted volcano and corresponding reflection seen in the canoe scene, the team added extra waterfalls, clouds and mist, and altered the appearance of the sky and time of day. The dinosaurs were integrated using multiple techniques, Dan explains: “For the T-rex scenes we used GOBO techniques, to create a dappled light effect over the dinosaur’s skin which quickly draws the eye to the animated creatures. The mother’s mouth features some pretty extraordinary saliva, which we actually shot at MPC playing around with soap suds and an aerosol spray can. This was then composited into her mouth for the final menacing effect.”

Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs
Making of Gold Blend Dinosaurs

Credits

Agency: Publicis London

Agency Producer: Sharon Joyce & Nikki Gregory

Creatives: Ed Robinson & Sue Higgs

Directors: Patrick Chen and Christian McKenzie

Production Company: Park Pictures

Production Company Producer: Richard Fenton

Editor: Andrea MacArthur @ Peepshow

Sound Design: Raj @ Grand Central Studios

VFX: MPC

VFX Producer: Phil Whalley

CG Supervisor: Jon Park

VFX Supervisor: Dan Sanders

Shoot Supervisor: Jim Radford

Grade: MPC

Colourist: Jean-Clément Soret

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