New York
Los Angeles
Representation
US
London
Isabella Parish
Ciaran Bennett
Asia & Australia
Germany
In this poignant music video for "Colors and Shapes," crafted in homage to Mac Miller and commissioned by Miller's family, the narrative unfolds through the dreamlike journey of Mac Miller's dog, Ralphie, into the realm of the unconscious. The film is a surreal dreamscape, blending abstract yet realistic CG animation with ethereal transitions to conceptualize a genuine and heartfelt story.
Set to the backdrop of Miller's 2014 mixtape, Faces, the song "Colors and Shapes" provides a meditative and metaphorical exploration that weaves themes of personal discovery and self-reflection through its verses. Ralphie's role as the protagonist of the film stems from a true story of his disappearance during a recording session, imagining where he might have ventured. The film delves into Miller's childhood and the perilous path of an artist, merging highly-rigged realistic 3D with puppet-inspired characters and atmospheric environments to create a visually striking yet emotionally challenging portrayal. A labor of love and passion, the film unfolds with a fluidity that reflects a trust in the creative process, underlining the importance of honoring Miller's legacy. The collaboration with Miller's family and the dedication of a core team of animators resulted in a poignant tribute, garnering widespread press coverage from major music outlets and industry trades alike, solidifying its place as a memorable and resonant work of art.
Director Sam Mason
Client 4 Strikes / Karen Meyers
Commissioned by Miller McCormick
Production Co Hornet
Head of Creative Development Kristin Labriola
Executive Producer Hana Shimizu
Producer Hanna Smith-Ide
Associate Producer Heather Hardin
Editor Sam Stulin
Pre Production
Storyboard Artist Camillo Clauser
Environment Designer Chiara Benedetti
Character Design Jeff Jank
Previs Meg Oswalt
Rigging Josh Planz
CG Oversight George Smaragdis
Look Dev Nicole Noel, Sam Mason
Modelling / Texturing Nicole Noel, Douglas Silva, Ivan Joy,
Laney Lai, Emily Mai, Neil Jackson
Groom Giovani Kososki
Senior Animator Daniel Callaby, Clement Pierre, Jim Bierton
Animator Meg Oswalt, Monica Stevenson
"In some ways, it’s sort of a look at the emotional and difficult and perilous path of an artist.”