The SoMa Vertical Village Launch
A major developer was launching a 40-story residential tower in SoMa. The problem was that the building would not be finished for three years. They needed to sell units ranging from $1.5M to $8M off-plan. The marketing team knew that static images of the amenities were failing to convey the connectivity of the vertical village concept, how the gym flowed into the co-working space and how the roof deck connected to the sky lounge. They needed a film that would make a prospective buyer feel the transition from the chaotic street below to the serene luxury above.
We storyboarded a Day in the Life film based on the architect's BIM model. We did not just pan cameras across empty rooms; we animated the lifestyle. We showed the morning light hitting the yoga studio, the steam rising from the outdoor pool, and the city lights flickering on at dusk from the penthouse view. We integrated green screen footage of real actors into the 3D environment, blurring the line between reality and simulation. This animation became the centerpiece of the sales gallery, helping the developer secure 40% of their pre-sales targets in the first quarter.
Client Name
Zenith Development
Client Type
Real Estate Developer
Location
SoMa, San Francisco
Project focus
High-end marketing film
Color Palette
Cinematic Teal and Orange, Dusk Blues, Warm Interior Gold
Services Provided
3D Animation, Motion Graphics, VFX Integration
Budget
$15,000
Duration
8 Weeks
Thoughtfully designed spaces for life
Strategic Design Interventions
We use cinematic storytelling to create emotional buy-in.
1
Narrative Pacing
Most architectural animations move too fast. We slowed the camera down to match the human walking speed. This deliberate pacing allows the viewer to mentally inhabit the space, noticing details like the texture of the rugs and the play of light on the walls.
Lighting Transitions
We animated the sun path to show the building transition from day to night. This is crucial for selling the emotional arc of a home, bright and energetic in the morning, moody and romantic in the evening.
2
3
Sound Design Integration
Silent video feels hollow. We layered a custom soundscape, the distant hum of the city, the sound of wind in the roof deck trees, and the clinking of glasses in the lounge. This audio-visual layering triggers a stronger emotional response than visuals alone.
