DIRECTOR’S VISION
For this project, I set out to reimagine the corporate film through a technique-driven, illusion-led visual language inspired by digital creators, elevated with a cinematic sensibility. Using in-camera effects, seamless transitions, and character-driven movement, each moment of “magic” is grounded in story and purpose. The result is a bright, energetic, and warm film that reflects du’s values of growth, creativity, and connection, feeling less like a traditional corporate piece and more like a vibrant social experience designed to engage, surprise, and invite participation.
deliverables
Cinematic Corporate
In collaboration with du’s internal team, the film was designed and executed around a technique-driven approach that prioritised in-camera effects supported by seamless visual effects. As Director/DOP, my focus was on creating a grounded, cinematic visual language where illusions felt natural, performance-led, and integrated into real office environments rather than relying on overt post-production spectacle.
Each sequence was carefully choreographed around character movement, camera motion, and precise timing, using practical transitions such as match cuts, hidden wipes, perspective shifts, and on-set framing tricks. Visual effects were used selectively to extend spaces, connect locations, and enhance transitions, ensuring every illusion served the story while maintaining a sense of realism and flow.
From this process, we delivered a hero film structured as a fluid journey through multiple office spaces, with each scene linked by seamless transitions that blur the line between digital and physical environments. The result is a bright, energetic, and shareable film that feels closer to a social-first experience than a traditional corporate piece, while remaining aligned with du’s brand values.
Throughout production, camera movement, composition, lighting, and performance direction were tightly controlled to ensure consistency across all scenes. The final film functions both as a standalone narrative piece and as a visual statement of du’s culture, creativity, and collaborative spirit.
behind the scenes
Precision and timing were critical throughout the shoot, as many of the illusions relied on exact choreography between performance, camera movement, and practical effects. To maintain fluidity and keep performances natural, we worked primarily handheld using an EasyRig setup, allowing the camera to move with the characters in a grounded, human way while still retaining cinematic control.
The production was shot on an ARRI ALEXA LF, paired with ZEISS Supreme Prime full-frame lenses at T1.5, delivering a refined cinematic image with clarity, depth, and a clean rendering that held up beautifully through wide movement and complex transitions. Green and blue screen setups were integrated selectively on set, not as a crutch, but as tools to extend environments and support specific illusions where practical execution alone was not possible.
Many of the visual effects were achieved directly in camera through carefully designed practical setups, including moving walls, hidden cut points, and physical props built to interact seamlessly with camera motion. Each scene followed a tightly planned structure, with precise marks and repeatable blocking to ensure consistency across takes, while still allowing performances to feel relaxed, playful, and authentic. This balance between technical discipline and creative freedom was key to achieving a film that feels effortless, magical, and grounded in reality.
INSPIRATIONS
The project was conceived as a social-first hero film that reimagines the corporate environment through moments of visual surprise and playful illusion. Rather than presenting the workplace in a conventional way, the film invites viewers to experience it as a living, creative space, where transitions feel fluid and unexpected, and everyday interactions carry a sense of possibility.
The visual inspiration draws from digital illusionists and short-form social content, elevated through a cinematic lens. The focus was on practical, in-camera techniques that feel believable and human, where movement, timing, and perspective drive the illusion rather than heavy visual effects. This approach allowed the film to feel spontaneous and engaging while remaining crafted and intentional.
Each scene was designed around character interaction with the environment, using frames, screens, and architectural elements as gateways between spaces. Composition and camera movement were kept open and fluid, allowing the audience to move seamlessly through the office alongside the talent, reinforcing the idea of connection, creativity, and an open invitation to be part of the du world.