Design, Animation, Live Action & VFX
Fearless in our pursuit of creation, we tell visual stories through captivating design and motion.
Deep Sky is an animation and live action studio known for partnering with the world’s most influential creators and brands. Our work is rooted in impactful storytelling, while also pursuing innovation and discovery. Since 2006, we’ve been doing the work we love with people who share our passion.
We're known to jump in and collaborate on new or existing campaigns, join forces with agencies, and offer full-service production. From script writing to design, and from filming to post production, we produce national commercials, explainers, branded docs, social media content, and CGI visualizations.
We do this not because it is easy, but because creating something beautiful is worth it.
Focus
Recommended Providers
Portfolio
Superplastic, Sony Music, Daimler, Nike, Columbia Records, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Intel, D'Addario, Bleacher Report, Amazon, GoDaddy, Lightspeed, Means Industries, Ironclad, Keen, Epson, Zap Energy, Tektronix, Agility Robotics, Sumerian Records, History Channel
Deep Sky | Reel
Fearless in our pursuit of creation, we tell visual stories through captivating design and motion.
Deep Sky is an animation and live action studio known for partnering with the world’s most influential creators and brands. Our work is rooted in impactful storytelling, while also pursuing innovation and discovery. Since 2006, we’ve been doing the work we love with people who share our passion.
We do this not because it is easy, but because creating something beautiful is worth it.
The Smashing Pumpkins | In Ashes
For In Ashes, Deep Sky was honored to collaborate directly with The Smashing Pumpkins to create a five-part animated series that accompanied songs from the band's new album, CYR. Translating frontman Billy Corgan's distinctive and multifaceted vision was a fun experience for our passionate artists, who blended eye-catching hand-drawn animation with a goth-futuristic style.
Working with Billy was a dream come true for our creative team. He detailed a clear vision of the characters and how the story should progress, which allowed us to build upon his ideas to create a fully-developed world for the series. This laid a solid groundwork for the layered narrative that Corgan had created.
To convey the intensity of emotion that seethes through these five interlinked tracks, our team utilized a vivid color palette. Its unique and vibrant aesthetic drew inspiration from such diverse influences as Bladerunner, Dune, H.R. Giger, and cyberpunk futurism. As the narrative pivots from internal conflict to external survival, the animation and color convey the characters' struggles and shifting emotions.
Ultimately, In Ashes turns the goth-rock sound of The Smashing Pumpkins into an operatic phantasmagoria of evolving identities and cosmic yearning—with some really cool chase scenes to boot.
See Episode 1 "As the Crow Flies" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8X8shmJPto
Superplastic | Janky, Guggimon, and Dayzee
We partner with our friends at Superplastic to create social media content for their in-house social media influencers Janky, Guggimon, and Dayzee. Our production team provides character animation, environment design, lighting and materials, compositing and rendering across their 3D animated content. The shorts are released on Superplastic's Instagram and Tik Tok, reaching millions of viewers.
Ironclad | What is Digital Contracting?
As the leader in digital contracting, Ironclad asked us to help them emphasize their groundbreaking role in the digital revolution of the backbone of business: the contract. They needed videos that explained how they are bringing teams, processes, and data together to make better, faster business contracts.
We created an explainer video that was informational, yet beautiful. Leaning on the themes of synchronization and efficiency, each sequence smoothly transitions into the next. The illustrations drew on inspiration from watercolors and a painterly style, which emphasizes the hand-crafted and human-oriented aspect of their business as well. We also incorporated character animation with the motion graphics to further highlight how much of this process is driven by human ingenuity.
We continue to partner with Ironclad on other brand-defining content such as the Clickwrap service launch and seasonal SDC events. The videos define the Ironclad brand as they chart their growth in the technology sector.
Thermo Fisher Scientific | Centrios HX
Thermo Fisher Scientific reached out to Deep Sky to visualize the Axia ChemiSEM and Centrios HX. We collaborated with rockstar producer John Petrina on the script and the unique approach to visualizing the product.
Utilizing Houdini, we created a reactive CG background that simulated during analysis throughout the video, complementing the software's waveform analysis. Additionally, we created several unique environments to visualize various samples taken from a wide spectrum of sites and industries.
Daimler Trucks North America | Purpose
We partnered with Daimler Trucks North America to produce this live action brand-defining video to usher in the next generation of the company. Combining existing footage we shot for previous projects with DTNA with unique footage we shot for this video specifically, we worked with our partners from pre-production to editorial and post-production to create a video to accompany their debut as an independent brand. The video premiered at a Portland Trail Blazers game at the Moda Center in late 2021.
Giro | Vanquish “Shape the Wind”
We had the pleasure collaborating with Giro on their campaign for Vanquish. We were challenged with visualizing the cycling helmet being shaped by the wind. And a fun challenge it was!
The Vanquish™ MIPS helmet is the pinnacle of performance road cycling helmet technology. The science of air flow, and the art of mastering it, dictated the helmet’s silhouette and ventilation designs from the beginning, with months of aerodynamic development, dozens of iterations and extensive pro rider testing. The result is Vanquish MIPS—the ultimate aero road helmet.
Bleacher Report | Super Bowl LIII Pre-open
Our friends at Bleacher Report approached us to produce a fun yet challenging concept for a Super Bowl pre-open: visualize the Vince Lombardi trophy coming together in 3D and animate four plays from the two winning NFL teams in 2D. This may seem straightforward; however, we needed to complete this in just 12 days, and combining a 3D chrome trophy with 2D hand-drawn animation is a tricky design combination. Fortunately, our talented team was amped-up to take on this time-sensitive task, and we successfully nailed it with time to spare.
System of a Down | "Genocidal Humanoidz"
Deep Sky is proud to have partnered with the GRAMMY Award-winning alt-rock band System of a Down to create the animated sequences in the official music video for their latest single, "Genocidal Humanoidz." Intending to demonstrate the resiliency of Armenians in the face of brutal terror, the video follows an Armenian child who is pursued by demons through the rubble-filled streets of his city. Ultimately, banding together with his supportive community, he manages to ward off the demons.
Our team worked closely with System of a Down to tell a story that is very personal to the band, which is evident through the highly-detailed imagery in the video. In stark contrast to the black-and-white characters and backgrounds, we colored certain elements within the story, such as the purple flower and the demons' red eyes, for heightened metaphorical prominence.
Further bringing the viewer into the reality of the story, we used dramatic camera angles to highlight key moments. These included the startling arrival of the demons and the triumphant moment when the kid joins his people to take a final stand. We blended 2D animation, 3D animation, and motion capture to amplify the video's intensity and provoke a visceral response from the viewer.
The band released the video in January 2021, hosting a livestream fundraiser to benefit the rehabilitation efforts for Armenian soldiers suffering from traumatic injuries. Deep Sky was honored and thrilled to participate in such a riveting and deeply important cause. To learn more or donate, please visit Armenia Fund.
See the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VvmixeowNI
Reviews
the project
Animated Videos for Kitchen & Home Appliance Company
"I appreciated their flexibility, support, and communication style."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I'm an Associate Product Manager for the Home Environment category at a leading small kitchen & home appliance company. My role includes management and development of air purifiers, humidifiers and odor elimination appliances.
For what projects/services did your company hire Deep Sky, and what were your goals?
We were in need of animated videos to tell the story of our air purifiers. We wanted to show dirty air being pulled into the air purifier filter, show the layers of the filters, highlight the features of the air purifier. Deep Sky reviewed the marketing materials provided to them to learn about the air purifiers. And after a meeting to discuss our vision, they came back with a storyboard that met our vision nearly perfectly.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
We selected Depp Sky as a recommendation from our internal ID team.
Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.
We started with discovery meeting, which I reviewed the needs of the video(s) and provided an overview of how the product functions. I followed up with a PPT that included images of the product and competitor examples. Team Deep Sky replied several days later with their first draft of a storyboard. We had a few rounds of changes before deciding on final SUPERS.
Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?
I primarily worked with Blake and they were fantastic. From first meeting, Blake was easy to communicate with and they were on top of the projects. Blake was gracious and understanding of the many questions I had, as this was one of only a few projects of this matter I have managed. I appreciated their flexibility, support, and communication style.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Too early to report progress or success.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.
The project manager, Blake, was very easy to work with. They communicated weekly or daily if needed, to keep me up to date of the project progress. Our interactions were professional, yet informal. I provided a date in which we aimed to have the videos complete and Blake did an excellent job at keeping us and the animators on track. If there were delays, Blake communicated in a timely manor, setting expectations about when the final video would be available.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
They took the time to learn and understand how our air purifiers worked and the benefits of using them, This understanding of the product helped them see our vision and goals of the videos.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
Keep on doing what ya' doing!
the project
Video Production for Technology Company
"Whatever requests we had for our animations, they were able to make them happen!"
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I work for a tech company in the global sales operations organization. Part of my position plans the annual training events for our global sales and application engineer teams.
For what projects/services did your company hire Deep Sky, and what were your goals?
We hired Deep Sky to create animated hosts for our virtual event to drive engagement and enhance the virtual experience.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
We found Deep Sky online and they worked with us on our short timeline and limited budget. Great team to work with!
Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.
We created (3) different videos with (4) different character animations that tied to different activities within our virtual event. We had them create virtual backgrounds and customize character animations that fit in with our company and products.
Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?
We worked with Jack E., Blake B. and Jared H. within Deep Sky. All great to work with!
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Outcomes included a completely new and different approach to how we tackle and stream virtual events. We received positive feedback from our attendees and increased engagement within our live sessions that incorporated animated hosts from Deep Sky.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.
Great project management. Helped keep us on track with our timeline to make sure we would hit our overall deadline.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The team was really great at taking ideas from our team and doing what they could to incorporate them into the animation or background! Whatever requests we had for our animations, they were able to make them happen!
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
Nope!
the project
Video Production for Advertising Agency
"Deep Sky made sure to deliver what we needed to meet our client's deadlines."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I'm the Video Department Director at a mid-sized advertising agency. We have offices in Portland, OR and New York City and shoot all over the country as well as internationally.
For what projects/services did your company hire Deep Sky, and what were your goals?
We hire Deep Sky on a regular basis for more advanced motion graphics and most of our VFX needs. This particular project was bringing a figure skater (that we shot on green screen ) to life in an Olympic stadium.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
We have a long history of working with Deep Sky on all sorts of different projects. We knew we could trust them to do the job, make it look great and keep it on budget.
Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.
Step 1 was a Zoom call to go over the creative and storyboards. From there, we delivered the edit and Deep Sky did their magic. They sent over preview renders for feedback before rending out the final outputs for our editor.
Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?
I worked with a project manager and a visual effects artist. Feedback was simple since this was a very specific project scope. Deep Sky provided mp4s for review and we emailed feedback back to the project manager and artist. The process didn't need to be anything more than that for this project.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Bottom line - we loved the final deliverables and the client really loves it! Everyone is beyond happy.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.
Again, this was a smaller project with a basic scope, so management and communication was all done easily via email. Timeliness was great! Deep Sky made sure to deliver what we needed to meet our client's deadlines.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Versatility. I can basically go to Deep Sky for any motion or VFX needs.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
Nope. All thumbs up from me for the Deep Sky team!
the project
Visual Marketing Content Production for Cloud-Native Security Company
"Their versatility was incredible."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the former marketing strategy director at a cloud-native security company, which secures software that has been built in the cloud.
What challenge were you trying to address with Deep Sky?
In order to talk about our infrastructure, we needed to describe how it works, and since we work with the cloud, we didn't have any visual depiction to share. We went to them hoping they could sit with me and brainstorm imagery that would be able to represent us.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They created animation explainer videos to capture our brand and what it had to offer. One of the main solutions that they helped me figure out was a continuum of cloud-native technologies. We white boarded some of the main concepts into a graphic system, that could be pulled into a storyboard, and ultimately the video. In order for us to get a complete voice-over, we did a full greenscreen shoot. They got us on the soundstage and it took three hours to complete three shoots, total. They captured our CTO speaking through how our company works, and the main concepts behind it. We intercut between that speech and the animation. Overall they did a really great job.
What is the team composition?
We worked with eight people throughout the duration of the video creation process.
How did you come to work with Deep Sky?
I went online and thought their work was great, and it really spoke to me.
How much have you invested with them?
We've invested $75,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working together in June 2017, and our engagement ended in May 2019.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We had huge views on YouTube, and more importantly, what differentiated us in our space was making sure we could put a visual explanation to what we do. A lot of people have told us why they went with us because the videos demystified the process, and educated them on what we do.
How did Deep Sky perform from a project management standpoint?
They were great and were able to realize when they needed help expressing a particular concept and reached out for clarification. Our overall timelines were kept, and they turned around most segments in under a month.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their versatility was incredible. They dove into a real hardcore technology challenge, and they have more versatility than any other company I've ever seen who specializes.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I don't think so.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
My advice is to come in with strong ideas and an abstract of what you want to convey, rather than just letting them work from scratch. It'll let them know you're ready to be a collaborative presence.
It is too early for any measurable outcomes, but Deep Sky completely understood the client's needs and delivered outputs within their vision. The team maintained daily communication to meet expectations and ensure timely completion. Their professionalism, understanding, and willingness stood out.