LOBO Launches Standalone Live-Action Division with Impressive Roster of Directors

Above: (Left to right) Luis Ribeiro and Paul Amorese

Renowned creative studio LOBO spotlights their live-action acumen by unveiling a standalone division that will celebrate their current success and drive further creativity and growth.

On the heels of their recent Gold win at Ciclope Latino 2024 for their animated sustainability initiative for LG Appliances, ‘Better Choices Make a Better World’, LOBO looks to double down on a discipline they’ve been quietly excelling in for years. Their back catalogue of outstanding animation-led projects often includes live-action elements, but as the industry continues to shift, the speed at which they adapt is fast becoming one of their biggest strengths.

With the recent noise surrounding generative art, for example, LOBO utilised AI for the concepting phase of their film, ‘SAP Office Cat’. Working in collaboration with BBDO NY and SAP the project featured an animated cat painted in the style of Van Gogh. While the mischievous feline was created using traditional CG techniques, the use of AI early in the process hints at a myriad of future applications for this groundbreaking technology.

With the rise in popularity of mixed-media work, clients have increased their demand for one supplier to fulfil their needs. The all-new live-action division will help LOBO solve their clients’ problems while positioning them as a robust production company with a deep well of talent.

“We’ve been actively involved in live-action productions for many years, but it’s become such an integral part of our studio that we feel now is the right time to develop it further,” said LOBO managing partner Luis Ribeiro. “All live-action division work and directors will be displayed front and centre on our website to showcase our diversity of skill set and extremely talented team.”

The new division will hit the ground running with an impressive roster of directors, including Coutinho&Batti, Felipe Mansur, Gabriel Dietrich, Ricardo Carelli, Sebastien Caudron, Gabriel Nobrega, Mateus Santos, and Joao Tenorio.

Luis added, “These directors represent the pinnacle of the industry, people who have been instrumental in shaping LOBO’s reputation. They will be joined by other exceptional, handpicked talent in a partnership soon to be announced.”

The live-action division is poised for international operations, with LOBO well-equipped to serve clients worldwide. The strategy includes expanding their presence in the US market, with full live production services being led by innovative-minded NY-based EP Paul Amorese. Meanwhile, their HQ in Brazil boasts a state-of-the-art studio, which regularly attracts US brands to South America.

One high-impact example is Coca-Cola crushing its iconic logo to encourage people to recycle their favourite drink containers. Created by Ogilvy New York and produced by LOBO, the ‘Recycle Me’ campaign featured out-of-home and social media pieces that showed the famous wordmark crumpled, crinkled and wrinkled in a myriad of ways.

To create the designs, the LOBO team crushed hundreds of cans using a variety of techniques, including hydraulic presses and vacuum pumps, resulting in uniquely distorted versions of the logo. These were then cleaned up and applied on a simple red background, paired only with the “recycle me” (the message found on the side of every can).

Other clients like Jeep, KnobCreek, UPS, KFC, and Tresemmé have all benefited from the studio’s epic capabilities. Robotic cinematography captures scenes in unusual and artistic ways by offering precise and dynamic camera movements. Motion control systems allow for the pre-programming of camera movements and parameters, optimising production time while ensuring high-quality footage. Virtual production can project landscapes and backgrounds in high quality with stunning realism. Virtual production also mitigates external challenges such as bad weather or natural light and offers more creative freedom and comfort for clients and actors, with scene changes happening seamlessly.

Paul, guiding the live-action division, boldly affirms, “Our journey into live-action filmmaking has been years of dedication and innovation in the making. With a portfolio of groundbreaking projects, a team of exceptional talent, and cutting-edge technology, we’re standing on the brink of a revolutionary shift in storytelling. Our goal is unequivocal: to showcase our mastery of blending mixed media techniques, which has become LOBO’s hallmark expertise. We’re not just prepared; we’re fueled by our passion to redefine the benchmarks of live-action production.” Paul’s unwavering resolve embodies LOBO’s relentless pursuit of excellence and creativity.

For more information on LOBO and its live-action division, visit lobo.cx.