I worked as Creative Director and VFX Supervisor on this memorable anti-smoking commercial. Working with director Adam Berg and Legacy Effects we were privileged to create another of his powerful visual narratives. The atmosphere on set was amazing as Legacy brought nearly a hundred fully dressed monsters to life, each representing one of the 7,000 toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.
We shot in a dark, atmospheric location near Calabasas. Fires illuminated the night, casting an eerie glow across the scene. Our cast featured some of Los Angeles' best contortionists and monster artists. Some performers stood on stilts while others crawled through shadows, creating a visceral experience that pulled viewers into this dark world.
Beyond practical effects, we integrated CG creatures emerging from the muck to form a horde representing smoking's overwhelming impact. The visual metaphor culminated when these grotesque figures were inhaled into a teenage boy's lungs, vividly illustrating the dangers of cigarette use. Everything about this project was both challenging and rewarding. Each piece needed to feel authentic while conveying the urgent message: smoking isn't just a personal choice but a dangerous gamble with your health.