Animation & 3D Graphics

Our long association with NHNZ Ltd and has seen us produce a large variety of 2D and 3D animated graphics.

Our process is to start with the storyboard, working in tandem with series Producers and Directors to map out the graphics required. We can manage all aspects of graphics and title design and production so that producing quality broadcast graphics is painless.

Our aim is to ease the workload of Producers and Directors by taking care of the process from commission to delivery. We can source world-class graphics providers nationwide or locally, matching your project with the appropriate production house. Our transparent management and ‘inbetweening’ frees you up from unnecessary involvement during the development process and gives you the assurance of a quality product on time and within budget.

NHNZ - Mutants

In 2005 Third Eye Design worked collaborated with i;robot to produce the 3D animation for NHNZ's Mutants documentary. Produced by John Hyde, this project required significant research into DNA, genetics and mutation theory, which in turn needed to be translated into simple animated imagery, storyboarded and then rendered as a series of animated 3D sequences.

Third Eye worked closely with the both the Producer and animator, designing storyboards and a cohesive graphical style for all the 2D and 3D graphics. The result was a series of fluid animations that enhanced the story and explained many complex concepts simply.

NHNZ - NZ Journeys

In 2006 Third Eye Design was contracted by NHNZ to produce titles, animated graphics and 2D illustration for the CCTV (China)/NHNZ joint production New Zealand Journeys. This five episode series was produced in consultation with the NZ Government's Tourism Board to introduce the Chinese public to New Zealand's natural and cultural history, our innovators and their innovations, New Zealand Cinema and the historical and on-going relationship between New Zealand and China.
This still was a frame from an animated graphic illustrating GPS technology.

NHNZ - NZ Journeys

Third Eye worked closely with the both Producer and Directors, designing storyboards and a graphical style for all the 2D and 3D graphics. A series of stylised maps of New Zealand were produced with animated camera moves and elevating city location indicators.

NHNZ - NZ Journeys

A draft from the development of the master 3D globe graphics, this glowing animated model was later upgraded to a flatter but more detailed model. The production company Straylight Studios produced animations that exceeded expectations and of an excellent standard on a relatively tight budget.

NHNZ - X-Force Globe

Working closely with NHNZ writers, directors, and producers of the series, the graphics were concepted and designed in-house, streamlining the outsourced animation. The goal was to create a buffer between subcontractors and client, ensuring an efficient, transparent management system.

The animated globe was designed by Animation Research Ltd and was the basis of a series of graphics, bridging stories and introducing changes in location.

NHNZ - X-Force Human Body

In 2003, while working as Creative Director for The Bureau Interactive, Matthew was responsible for the complete visual design and graphical project management of a 6 episode extreme adventure sport series called X-Force. A stylised 3D human body was designed by Animation Research Ltd and was required to demonstrate the effects of altitude, pressure, physical stress and extreme sports on the human body and its organs functions.

NHNZ - X-Force Sunken Ship

With the contract to design, storyboard and manage the 2D and 3D animation, the graphics also encompassed illustration, opening title design and general series design for this high profile National Geographic television series. Unusually, the role required the creative direction and production of graphics from Dunedin's two competing animation houses, Ra Productions and Animation Research.

The graphics produced ranged from 3D mountainscapes, a sunken ship, human body graphics as well as mountain bike mechanics, aerodynamics, weather and waves. This ship was designed and animated by Ra Productions and worked as a fly-through showing the hole where explosions ripped the vessel apart.