The Client:
Televisa stands as the powerhouse of Mexico’s television broadcasting, reigning supreme in the realm of entertainment and information.
The Year:
2018
The Task:
Our mission was to create a character capable of captivating kids nationwide on live TV during the ‘Dia de Muertos’ TV special. This character needed to receive calls from the audience and answer their questions live.
The Solution:
To achieve this feat, we partnered with the tech wizards at Adobe Systems Incorporated and the brilliant Laurent Abeccassis from Diomatic Inc., seamlessly implementing Facial Tracking Technology to breathe life into our character, enabling her to engage with the audience in real-time.
The Concept:
Our creative journey was guided by the visionary Genaro Diaz from Televisa, who not only helped create La Catrina but also crafted the captivating atmosphere in which she thrived. Together, we unleashed a wave of innovation and imagination, leaving an indelible mark on television history.
Catalina draws her inspiration from Jose Guadalupe Posada’s iconic ‘Catrina’ lithograph, a quintessential symbol of the Day of the Dead celebration. With unwavering respect for tradition, we embarked on a creative journey to infuse the character with a unique and highly stylized appearance while preserving the essence of these time-honored elements.
Catalina’s puppet was a marvel of simplicity and complexity, designed to seamlessly interact with both fellow characters on the scene and our live, engaged audience. To elevate her performance, we endowed her with a range of expressive facial features, from poignant sadness to fiery anger, perfectly complementing her physical expressions and making her truly come alive.
Step behind the scenes and get to know the vibrant ensemble that breathes life into this captivating world! Amidst the tapestry of characters, you’ll encounter a diverse array of personalities—from humans to whimsical alebrijes, ethereal ghosts, and the iconic catrines and catrinas. Each corner of this imaginative realm holds a delightful surprise, ensuring that every step you take is a journey of discovery.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas and visionary concepts that have been painstakingly designed to serve as the backdrop for our cherished characters. With an artistry that borders on the sublime, these landscapes have been sculpted to transport the viewer into a realm of pure magic and wonder.
In the autumn of 2018, Catalina la Catrina extended a heartfelt plea for assistance. With a playful twinkle in her eye, she implored the young ones to pick up their phones and share their insights on what truly belonged on the revered “Altar de Muertos”. You see, there was a bit of a twist to this tale. The affable but imposing Granujo, the head honcho of this spirited underworld, had issued a peculiar ultimatum. Catalina’s job hung in the balance, and it was up to these imaginative young minds to ensure her continued employment.
Step back in time to where it all began! Behold the inaugural live television-original animation event for “Dia de los Muertos” that set the stage for the enchanting world of Catalina la Catrina. This groundbreaking video, now a piece of history, captured the hearts and imaginations of thousands of viewers, introducing them to a realm where tradition and magic intertwined. Not only we created the magical world but also the sounds and music that goes with it.
All materials copyrighted by Televisa S.A de C.V & Onem Studio.
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