Fully CG cockatoo, the greatest challenge with this project was the extreme close-up cameras, meaning the feather system in particular needed extensive development. This asset was very labour intensive positioning, aligning and grooming the feathers so they looked anatomically correct, could move in the wind and also adapt to the various wing movements.

The rig system was developed in parallel with the 3D asset, including how the feathers fan out and contract back into the body. And once the groom was complete subtle wind movements scripted to work procedurally, with minimal feather collisions.

HDRI lighting reference was gathered from each shoot location to help the birds integrate into their surroundings.