The raw power of first-shooter combat sets the stage in the high-octane live action trailer for the launch of Activision’s Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. From 72andSunny and directed by acclaimed Pony Show filmmaker Peter Berg (Hancock, Lone Survivor) with high-end VFX by MPC LA, the 90-second spot immerses viewers on a riveting experience to ‘discover your power.’

The MPC team, led by VFX Supervisor Paul O’Shea, harnessed the full range of creative disciplines to craft the ambitious film, which features superhuman athleticism as players leap and smash their way through the world of Advanced Warfare. The journey of the first-person point-of-view camera, CG, extras, war vehicles, and explosions were carefully planned to the smallest detail, so all the different elements would integrate perfectly and feel utterly realistic.

“The approach from Peter, the agency and client was to ground the spot by capturing as much of the action as possible in camera,” said Paul. “MPC ensured the VFX served this story so that the spot gives you a visceral sense of what it would be like to play the game for real. We tried to make sure we didn’t compromise the camera, stunts and pyroworks. Rather, we used the VFX to join and enhance the action, adding in the game assets to take you on this breathtaking ride. It’s so disorientating, it’s so remarkable, that you pause for a breath at the end of it to say to yourself, ‘What did I just see?’

If we have done our job right, you won’t know what’s live action and what’s CG. This spot warrants repeat viewings to really understand what you’ve done and where you’ve been. It’s a game players’ dream - to feel that incredible adrenaline without the jeopardy, but with all the action.”