Happy New Year everyone! I couldn’t be more excited to share my latest commission with you…an animation for the inaugural games of the National Hockey League’s Stadium Series! It will air for the first time on New Year’s Day during the Winter Classic on NBC.
From the time I became interested in illustration as a career I have wanted to work in film and motion. I used to experiment with video and animation and I’ve worked as a storyboard artist and concept designer, but I had yet to put my stamp on a project until this opportunity came my way late last year.
When I received the call from NBC Sports naturally I was excited, but when I found out it was for ice hockey, I could not believe it. I have been a life long fan of hockey…I even play (street hockey) every Sunday.
I’d like to thank Lorin and Lindsay and the whole team at NBC Sports for having the creative vision to do something DIFFERENT on national television, and for allowing the creative vision to come to life. I would also like to thank the members of Studio 1482 for their support, and fellow Studio 1482 member Despina Georgiadis for her brilliant work with the art direction and storyboards.
Last but not least, a special thanks to J.J. Sedelmaier, who worked as the animator on the project. His professionalism, experience, and sense of humor made the process seamless and enjoyable from the first frame to the last.
Below are some shots of the process and the animation. You can also view the animation on YouTube and Vimeo.
NHL Stadium Series Animation from greg betza on Vimeo.
Daunting!
Early storyboard frames of action
Early storyboard frame
From table to wall to floor. Repeat.
Coming together!
Key frame color exploration
Key frame color exploration
Working on a Wacom Cintiq 22HD
The “PERFECT” sequence
Yankee Stadium key frame
Dodger Stadium key frame
Drop em’ in!
Rangers vs. Devils key frame