Warner Bros. Logo – Making Of

WARNER BROS. LOGO – Making Of

An iconic studio. The Warner Bros. lot in Burbank is a major industry landmark — nestled at the base of the Hollywood Hills, it has been the home for hundreds of movies. We wanted to ensure that our CG version captured the extraordinary beauty and storied history of this famous Hollywood locale.

Likewise, the WB logo itself, the metal and cerulean blue icon that has appeared at the beginning of some of the world’s greatest films, required a thoughtful motion refresh. Studio logos can be in place for decades, so we always strive to create work that can stand the test of time. Below we have detailed some of our process.

Meticulous Modeling

Creating the lot began by referencing maps and aerial photography to align the buildings on the lot and the surrounding landscape.

The WB Studio Facilities team supplied source material ranging from CAD to original hand-drawn architectural elevations. Existing photography and videography from the Studio Tour and Google Earth supplied the rest of the construction detail reference for the models.

Textures and Lights

The look and feel of each building was carefully recreated, with painting, texturing and lighting artists applying painstaking detail. Lighting tests were conducted to determine the best placement of both practical building lights and the virtual sun to achieve a warm magic hour glow across the lot.

Particular attention was paid to the iconic WB water tower, with bolt heads, girders, electrical cables and steel plating welds all carefully detailed, then examined in turntable renders to ensure they held up to careful scrutiny.

Textures and Lights

Volumetric Clouds

The sky and clouds were crafted in Terragen, a render engine that creates extraordinarily realistic atmospheres.

Real world physics for the cloud volumes, the sun, and even the moisture in the air contribute to the majestic photographic quality of the regal skyscape.

Curves and Bevels

Detailed studies explored how to best add subtle bevels, curvature and details to the updated WB logo, to ensure that the shield caught beautiful reflections and glints as it moved through the sky.

Multiple reflection maps were tested and then blended together to have the shield reflect the lot, the clouds, and idealized studio lighting.

Soaring through the stunning CG cloudscape, the logo gleams and glitters, heralding a new era for Warner Bros.

Curves and Bevels

Detailed studies explored how to best add subtle bevels, curvature and details to the updated WB logo, to ensure that the shield caught beautiful reflections and glints as it moved through the sky.

Multiple reflection maps were tested and then blended together to have the shield reflect the lot, the clouds, and idealized studio lighting.

Soaring through the stunning CG cloudscape, the logo gleams and glitters, heralding a new era for Warner Bros.