Koodo Mobile - Couch - (2010) :30

The BENT team collaborated closely with the agency to create the spots, the latest of which hit the Canadian airwaves April 12. Animation production, including an in-depth character design process, took place in house at BENT's studio in Portland, Oregon. The live-action plate shoots were split between a Toronto stage and BENT's studio. BENT's art department built three full-size live-action sets for the in-house shoot. Drawing on their expertise in stop-motion, the team also constructed and shot the miniature Mexican village featured in the launch spot.

"The whole project was a blast, but I have to say character development was my favorite part," Shaw said. "I've always been a huge fan of Mexican wrestling. I love the Luchador Santo and his movies, and I grew up in the golden era of WWF.

"It was a lot of fun trying to cram all the stuff I love about both cultures into this four-inch-tall wrestler. He's a larger-than-life character in everyday, almost mundane situations. That contrast is perfect for a luchador character."

Client: Koodo Mobile
Spot Title: Launch, Compact, Couch
Air Date: April 2010

Agency: TAXI 2, Toronto, Ontario
CD: Lance Martin
AD: Jeff MacEachern
Copywriter: Mike Blackmore
Producer: Jennifer Cursio
Client Name: Lise Doucet
Group Account Director: Caleb Goodman
Account Manager(s): Katie Trainor, Steve Waugh

Prod Company: Bent Image Lab
Director: Rob Shaw
Director of Photography: Bryce Fortner
EP: Ray Di Carlo
Senior Producer: Tsui Ling Toomer
Producer: Harry Linden
Line Producer: Darren Demetre
Coordinator: Chris Barber
Cameraman/Moco: Chris Peterson, Jim Birkett
Gaffer: Joe Bourguignon
Electrician: Ryan Kunkleman
Storyboard Artist: Monique Ligons
Character Design: Huy Vu
Art Director: Curt Enderle
Art Department Manager: Solomon Burbridge
Art Department Coordinator: Evan Stewart
Lead Carpenter: Greg Fosmire
Carpenter(s): Daniel Miller, John Kirkley
Graphic Artist: Christina Owen
Lead Painter: Mary Blankenburg
Painter: Ryan Schow
Model Maker(s): Marty Easterday, Kimi Kaplowitz, Jen Prokopowicz
Shopper/Props Buyer: Justin Warner
Client Services: Patricia Hall
Production Assistant: Charlie James
TD Lead: Fred Ruff
TD(s): Josh Cox, Shirack Agresta, Devon Myron
Principal CG Animator(s): Eric Scheur, Aja Bogdanoff, Joel Brinkerhoff, Max Perelman, Eric Urban
Stop Motion Animator: Jen Prokopowicz
CG Rigger: John Lally
2D Graphics: Dave Manuel, Stephen Bodin, Beau Hudspeth

Post: Bent Image Lab
Lead Compositor: Brian Kinkley
Compositor: Alan Winston
Post Production Supervisor: Jeff Dawson
Editor/Editorial Supervisor: Jeff Dawson
Colorist: Brian Kinkley

Audio Post Co: Company X Audio
Mixer: Brad Nelson/Adam Moffat
Sound Designer: Brad Nelson/Adam Moffat
Engineer: Adam Moffat
Producer: Brad Nelson