In collaboration with Dentsu Amsterdam, we worked on Defensie Unlocked — a campaign of five films for the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The initial briefing was straightforward: create wireframe transitions between live-action footage and digital elements. But instead of keeping it purely stylistic, we pushed the concept further.

The idea was simple, yet powerful: let tanks, vehicles, drones, and other equipment shift from the physical world into a modern digital wireframe aesthetic. But we saw an opportunity to add more meaning. By carefully designing these transitions and adding full CGI shots, the project became not just about looks, but about explaining the real technologies and digital systems that support Defence’s operations.

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Together with tracking & modeling specialist Giso Spijkerman, I developed a custom wireframe system that could be applied across multiple films. This allowed us to integrate real-world military hardware into a consistent digital language. Editors and colorists were given maximum flexibility through layered renders, making the workflow efficient while keeping the visuals sharp and cinematic.

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The additional CGI sequences became a space where we could visualize abstract technologies: communication networks, data infrastructure, reconnaissance capabilities. These shots turned invisible processes into something tangible and dramatic, giving the audience a glimpse of the hidden backbone that powers Defence.

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Key aspects of the project

• Realization of Defensie Unlocked in collaboration with Dentsu Amsterdam

• Expanded a simple stylistic brief into technical storytelling

• 6 transition shots: live-action transforming into digital wireframes

• 5 full CGI shots: abstract technologies visualized in motion

• Custom wireframe look, adaptable for future Defence content

• Efficient delivery: layered renders for editors and colorists, allowing last-minute flexibility

 

Personal note

For me, this was a dream project. I’ve always had a personal interest in Defence, technology, and the way digital systems support real-world missions. To be able to combine that fascination with my craft creating visuals that don’t just look good but actually explain and celebrate the technical backbone of an organization like Defence  was incredibly rewarding.

What began as a simple transition brief grew into a storytelling challenge: to make the invisible digital world visible, understandable, and cinematic. Defensie Unlocked became not only one of my most exciting projects to date, but also one that connected directly to my own passion.