The Problem

We needed to tell the story of the partnership between Rolex and the US Open Championship using only still photography assets. As with many projects, we started with limited resources and a tight deadline—because who doesn’t love a good challenge, right?

The Solution

I proposed creating Plotagraphs, separating the foregrounds from the backgrounds, and subtly animating the golfers and secondary elements. Adding gentle motion to the grass and light flares really brought the visuals to life. This technique bridged the gap between classic and contemporary photography. Plus, by using a 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio, we elevated the spot beyond the original context of the photographs, making it perfect for 16:9 TV screens.

The Process

Preparation in Photoshop: We began by isolating the foreground elements, like golfers and hills, from the background of grass and crowds. This step set the stage for all the magic to come.

3D Layering in After Effects: Next, we brought the layers into Adobe After Effects, arranging them in 3D space to create depth, movement, and focus. It was all about making those still images feel alive.

Animating with Puppet Pins: The core of the project involved subtly animating the golfers using the Puppet Pin tool. We combined this with depth mattes to create a sense of mass and achieve that mesmerizing super slow-motion effect.

Adding Visual Effects: Finally, we enhanced the visuals with optical flares from the sun, Trapcode Particular for realistic raindrops, and secondary motions like swaying grass and moving tees. All of this was wrapped in an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio, elevating the final piece.

In the end, we transformed still photography into a dynamic story celebrating Rolex’s partnership with the US Open. It’s like giving old photos a makeover—because even a picture deserves a shot at glory, just like a golfer trying to avoid another embarrassing three-putt!