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Case Study
The Lighthouse
A cinematic brand ident inspired by the golden age of film.
The Lighthouse approached Studio Global to create a distinctive animated cinema ident that would capture the unique personality of the venue before every screening.
More than a simple logo animation, the ident needed to celebrate the independent spirit of The Lighthouse.
More than a simple logo animation, the ident needed to celebrate the independent spirit of The Lighthouse.
Creating an experience that felt warm, welcoming and unmistakably different from the polished, corporate style associated with larger cinema chains.
The animation also needed to be flexible enough to live beyond the big screen, providing a versatile template for social media content, promotional campaigns and future brand communications.
The animation also needed to be flexible enough to live beyond the big screen, providing a versatile template for social media content, promotional campaigns and future brand communications.
Our Approach
Rather than following the familiar conventions of modern cinema idents, we looked to the rich visual language of 1970s film posters for inspiration.
Bold typography, expressive illustration and cinematic storytelling provided the foundation for a creative direction.
Bold typography, expressive illustration and cinematic storytelling provided the foundation for a creative direction.
The aim was to create something that audiences would remember. An animation that didn't simply introduce a film, but became part of The Lighthouse experience itself.
As a result it felt nostalgic while remaining contemporary.
As a result it felt nostalgic while remaining contemporary.
A great cinema ident doesn't just introduce a film. It becomes part of the experience.
The Creative Process
Every successful animation begins with a strong narrative.
We explored a range of creative concepts before developing a visual story that could evolve naturally while remaining adaptable for future use. Once a preferred direction had been agreed, we created a detailed illustrated storyboard that mapped every scene of the animation, allowing the client to review the flow, pacing and visual style before production began.
Following feedback and refinement, the approved concept was recreated in motion using Adobe After Effects. Throughout the sequence, a shifting colour gradient reflects The Lighthouse's evolving brand palette, creating atmosphere and a sense of movement.
Following feedback and refinement, the approved concept was recreated in motion using Adobe After Effects. Throughout the sequence, a shifting colour gradient reflects The Lighthouse's evolving brand palette, creating atmosphere and a sense of movement.
Abstract linear forms gradually transform from a stylised sun into a moon, symbolising the transition from reality into storytelling. As The Lighthouse logo emerges, a beam of moonlight reveals one of the cinema's key messages before transitioning into a classic production clapperboard. The clapperboard then opens to reveal film footage, seamlessly connecting the brand with the magic of cinema itself.
Every transition was carefully considered to create a smooth, cinematic experience that feels equally at home on the big screen or across digital platforms.
Every transition was carefully considered to create a smooth, cinematic experience that feels equally at home on the big screen or across digital platforms.
Bringing the Story to Life
Design that brings
their mission to life
To create an ident that truly immersed audiences, we developed a bespoke soundtrack that complemented the pacing, emotion and atmosphere of the animation. Finding the right sound proved to be one of the project's biggest creative challenges, but the final score brought an additional layer of depth and personality to the finished piece.
Together, the animation and soundtrack create a memorable opening sequence that immediately sets the tone before every screening.
Together, the animation and soundtrack create a memorable opening sequence that immediately sets the tone before every screening.
The Result
The final ident gives The Lighthouse a distinctive cinematic signature that reflects its independent character and passion for film.
Designed for use on the big screen and adaptable across social media, the animation provides a flexible brand asset that can continue evolving as part of The Lighthouse's wider communications strategy.
Rather than following the conventions of traditional cinema idents, the result feels unique, characterful and unmistakably The Lighthouse — creating a memorable first impression before the main feature has even begun.
Designed for use on the big screen and adaptable across social media, the animation provides a flexible brand asset that can continue evolving as part of The Lighthouse's wider communications strategy.
Rather than following the conventions of traditional cinema idents, the result feels unique, characterful and unmistakably The Lighthouse — creating a memorable first impression before the main feature has even begun.
Project Highlights
- Bespoke cinematic brand ident
- Inspired by classic 1970s film poster design
- Illustrated storyboard and concept development
- Motion graphics and animation
- Inspired by classic 1970s film poster design
- Illustrated storyboard and concept development
- Motion graphics and animation
- Custom soundtrack and sound design
- Adaptable templates for future social content
- Big screen and digital-ready delivery
- Adaptable templates for future social content
- Big screen and digital-ready delivery
