Spy-vs-guy-224x122It's all well and good setting out to create a 'proof-of-plugin' short / commercial when you have flashy effects or color grade looks to show off, but if the product is more concerned with efficient workflow, then introducing an impressive invasion scene or futuristic weapon probably isn't going to cut it. So how did Red Giant choose to showcase their offload, prep, and delivery solution BulletProof through the medium of film? Why, by creating Spy vs Guy, a live action Road Runner vs Wile E. Coyotesque film, steeped in cold war era skullduggery of course. Check out the hunt below.


As we highlighted earlier this month, BulletProof is all about the workflows that assist production throughput whilst making sure all your bases are covered. That functionality led director Seth Worley to build a story centred around loss retrieval, inspired by the real stories of CIA concealment coins which agents accidentally spent and are apparantly still in circulation today.

Where previous Red Giant shommercials (if that catches on I want full credit!) Plot Device and Tempo brought the software's capabilities to the forefront of their narratives, this time round it was the combined work of production designer Paul Conrad and prop designer Neil Hoppe that took centre stage as Steve Taylor's hapless spy unsuccessfully works his way through a parade of cold war gadgets in pursuit of his guileless quarry.

The team gave themselves a tight two month deadline to turn the entire project around, with post only apportioned four weeks in the schedule. Fortunately, after being impressed by their previous outings, Dell lent their support by providing several machines which eased processing concerns for the Premiere Pro edit. Although Spy vs Guy is a sales pitch for the workflow system BulletProof, the team did still dip into their software goody bag (PluralEyes 3, Magic Bullet, Trapcode, Keying & Effects Suites) to realize the Canon 5D Mark III shot short.

Here's a detailed behind the scenes break down of the production process for Spy vs Guy:

So how do you think the sustained slapstick of Spy vs Guy holds up against previous Red Giant shorts? Has it made you more inclined to incorporate Bulletproof into your production workflow?

Link: Spy vs Guy -- Red Giant