DEVELOPMENT

Our development process began with creating a range of style frames to explore different visual concepts, techniques, and moods for the packaging. Collaborating closely with FX, we pitched several creative directions to find the perfect fit. Below are some of our initial ideas, showcasing how these early concepts evolved into the final design that brought the vision to life.

This concept taps into Laszlo’s eccentric mad scientist persona, merging visuals of his outlandish experiments with the energy of New York City.  Jagged bolts of energy connect eerie bats and iconic city landmarks, creating a frenzied experiment gone awry. The bold, high-contrast visuals tap into both Laszlo’s chaotic nature and the vibrant, offbeat spirit of the show, making for a perfectly twisted take on world domination.

This concept plays with the eerie, unpredictable nature of the characters, using morphing silhouettes to showcase the main cast. The fluid shifts mirror the fluidity of the vampires' powers, with each silhouette set against a dark, moody backdrop that complements the show’s gothic humor. The use of bold lighting and minimalist shapes creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, while highlighting the unique personalities of the ensemble cast.

This concept dives into the chaotic energy of New York’s mass transit system but with a spooky twist.  With a stylized, retro-futuristic color palette and dynamic, sweeping shots of subway cars and city streets, the visuals highlight the vampires’ nocturnal takeover. The sense of speed and mischief aligns with the show’s humor, while bold neon lighting and sharp angles add a sinister, cinematic feel.

During our concept exploration we created a few frames featuring spooky fisheye perspectives of New York City. FX challenged us to revise these frames, combining the style with the concept of vampires taking over the city. We used this feedback as a springboard, creatively imagining how the city would look and feel under the reign of our favorite nocturnal residents. The result was a series of exaggerated, eerie visuals that magnify the city through a supernatural lens, showcasing iconic landmarks twisted by the vampiric takeover.

We envisioned a dynamic swarm of bats sweeping through New York, culminating in forming spectral hands looming over the city skyline. FX was excited about the idea, but suggested integrating the stylistic elements of our mass transit concept. We refined our approach, fusing the two ideas, culminating in the final look - style frames below:

PROCESS

To bring the vision of colossal bat swarms to life, we innovatively combined 3D modeling with traditional 2D animation techniques. Our process began with extensive 3D testing to explore how the swarm could organically move and eventually coalesce into the giant, spectral hands above the city skyline. These 3D simulations served as a crucial previsualization tool, guiding our animators as they meticulously hand-drew each frame. This blend of modern and classic methods allowed us to capture the fluid, eerie essence of the swarm with a dynamic sense of depth and motion.