Topstep
'Winter Olympics Campaign'
Developed and executed at Scholar, this is a fully integrated creative campaign from the ground up. We crafted the core concepts, visual language, and final films end-to-end. Blending live action, CG, and design-driven storytelling, translating Topstep’s platform and philosophy into cinematic worlds of mountains, monoliths, and cityscapes. Pairing abstract market metaphors with real human performance.
From early concept exploration through final execution, every element was designed to work together. A cohesive system built to help Topstep stand apart and its traders climb higher.
"Alex Ferriera’s passion and precision run deeply through the film, from the voice to the carving of the fantastical slopes."
"From emerging monoliths to cascading skyscrapers, R+D enabled each element to breathe life into the platform UI in a unique way."
Process
"Using every tool at our disposal, we approached the shoot two ways: on set with interactive lighting and practical FX to create a strong foundation for our CG environments, and on the streets of DTLA to capture the visceral energy of a living city."
Concept to Creation
"Starting from the ground up we built this campaign from pitching top level concepts, writing scripts, all the way to final render. Because of that we were able to craft two films that complimented each other while having their own unique introduction to the future of the Topstep brand."
Behind the Scenes
Production Company: Scholar
Director(s): Chris Finn and Will Johnson
Director(s): Chris Finn and Will Johnson
Managing Director / E.P.: Kirsten Noll
Executive Producer: Kate Aspell
Head of Production: Nicole Smarsh
Line Producer: Richard Kaylor
DP: Josh Saideman
Production Designer: Arielle Ness-Cohn
Design & Animation: Scholar
Creative Director(s): Chris Finn and Will Johnson
Associate Creative Director: Madison Ellis
Managing Director / E.P.: Kirsten Noll
Executive Producer: Kate Aspell
Head of Production: Nicole Smarsh
CG Supervisor: Brice Linane
Sr Producer: Seth Gantman, Mary Mondrus
Designers: Ana Chang, Irma Hasanic, Macaulay Johnson, Jee Kim, Vin Kim, Danna Macias, Michael Tavarez, Tiago Andrade, Dennis Tiege, Javier Tommasi
2D Animators:
Model/Texture Artists:
Previz: Buse Simon
3D Generalists: Kirt Critoph, June Kim, Kevin Kolodinsky, Kwan Au, Carlos Taborda, Garret Walter
Lighters: Juan Salazar, Mirelle Underwood,
Dynamics/FX: Tim Hayward, Ewan Davidson, Paul Esteves, Andy Sheng
Compositors: Kevin Njoo, Michael Loney
Flame Artist: Matt Lavoy, Rachel Moon, Jameson DeSantis
Media Manager: Adrianna McKinley
Editorial: Scholar
Editor: Dominic Strazulo, John McSwain
Telecine: Ethos
Colorist: Beatrice Tremblay
Mix, Sound Design, Music: Cypher
Mix & Sound Designer: John Black & Joris van Grunsven
Music: Joris van Grunsven