Pre-Production

Concept & Scripting

Seatex came to us with a clear directive: showcase their expertise in complex chemical manufacturing processes through a 3D animation that combined photorealistic rendering with conceptual visual storytelling. With limited initial input from Seatex and no CAD files or technical documentation, we built the entire concept and visual narrative in-house. The script was designed to integrate seamlessly with the visuals, embedding data-driven elements—heat indicators, chemical hazard warnings, and more—timed to sync perfectly with the voiceover.

The goal was clear: present Seatex as a reliable, technically advanced, and safety-first partner in custom chemical blending and manufacturing. The script flowed from macro-scale views of industrial equipment to micro-level molecular animations, tying together Seatex’s capabilities in both large-scale production and detailed chemical processes.

Rapid Prototyping

We kicked things off with a rapid prototype to set pacing, transitions, and overall camera motion. The RP was all about laying down the sequence of events and making sure the interaction between visuals and narrative beats worked. We used simplified placeholder models for the blenders, mixers, and scrubbers, color-coded to differentiate each process. Basic materials were used to block in lighting and shading direction.

This phase also included initial simulations—abstract fluid movement inside blenders and a simple particle system for gas scrubbing. These early tests defined how much detail we’d need in full production, especially for fluid behavior, gas flow, and molecular dynamics.

Feedback on the RP was minimal, so we moved quickly into full production. The prototype played a crucial role in locking down narrative structure and ensuring timing alignment between visuals and narration.

Production (Full Production / FP)

Look Development

Once we locked in the photorealistic style, we dove into look development. Our focus: material realism and lighting precision. Using Cinema 4D and Redshift, we built physically accurate shaders for stainless steel, brushed aluminum, and industrial plastics. Subtle surface imperfections, roughness variations, and edge wear gave everything a grounded, real-world feel. We leaned on references from actual manufacturing environments to make sure every texture and finish accurately represented Seatex’s equipment.

Lighting was key to supporting the photoreal aesthetic. We used HDRI environments for natural reflections and global illumination, then layered in area lights to spotlight specific scene elements. Inside the scrubber chamber, an internal light source illuminated the colored gas flow, guiding the viewer’s eye through the process.

Design & Animation

Once assets were modeled and materials approved, we focused on animation and simulation. A major chunk of the work was simulating complex fluid and gas behaviors to mirror real chemical manufacturing processes.

For the blenders and mixers, we used RealFlow to build out detailed fluid simulations. RealFlow’s advanced dynamics let us replicate the turbulence and mixing patterns Seatex sees in real life. We animated two blender types, each with distinct fluid dynamics. Cross-sectional cutaways gave viewers a clear look at the internal mechanisms, showing agitators spinning and fluids pulled into dynamic vortexes. Every interaction between blades and liquids was dialed in to keep the physics accurate and the visuals engaging.

For the VOC scrubber, we simulated gas flow in EmberGen. Industrial gases are often invisible, but we introduced color to the gas particles to clarify the story. The gas entered the scrubber, swirled through filtration plates, and exited clean. The color palette maintained contrast without breaking the industrial tone. EmberGen smoke simulations were exported as VDB files and imported into Cinema 4D for scene integration. We synced the gas behavior with the narration and camera movement to highlight Seatex’s ability to safely manage VOC emissions.

The molecular fusion sequence took viewers from macro manufacturing to micro chemical reactions. Glass-like shaders gave the molecules a high-tech, medical-grade look. We animated molecules spinning, colliding, and fusing into new compounds, symbolizing Seatex’s molecular innovation. Motion was smooth and precise, reinforcing technical control and process mastery.

Style Choices and Reasoning

We went photorealistic to reinforce Seatex’s credibility and precision. Realistic shaders, lighting, and simulations underpinned Seatex’s technical authority. Isometric manufacturing floor views organized complex info into a digestible layout. Cutaways and cross-sections revealed processes normally hidden. Conceptual overlays—labels, gauges, molecular diagrams—added clarity and strengthened the educational impact.

Manufacturing Floor Development

One of the biggest builds was the manufacturing floor. We assembled it from scratch in Cinema 4D, guided by industrial layout references and best practices. The goal: an isometric diorama that communicated Seatex’s operational scale without visual overload.

The floor layout featured blenders, mixers, scrubbers, and fluid storage totes. Pipes, ventilation ducts, staircases, and platforms added structure and realism. We paid close attention to equipment placement to reflect logical workflows used in chemical manufacturing.

Details like safety railings, electrical conduit runs, and palletized containers added depth. Factory wall windows hinted at the scale beyond the diorama, with exterior views showing pallets and storage totes outside on concrete pads. This subtle world-building reinforced Seatex’s capacity without cluttering the scene.

Post-Production & Delivery

Final Compositing & Color Grading

Post was handled in After Effects. We composited frames, layered in graphics, and handled color grading. We adjusted scenes to make key elements—fluids in blenders, gas flows in scrubbers—stand out against neutral industrial backgrounds.
We added polish with subtle chromatic aberration, lens distortion, and depth of field—especially in the molecular fusion sequence. Tiny background particles gave the molecular scenes a microscopic feel. In manufacturing scenes, indicator glows and metal reflections enhanced the photorealism.

Final Edits & Optimization

Data-driven overlays and infographics were integrated throughout. Chemical labels—Ammonia, Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene—appeared in key moments, reinforcing Seatex’s expertise in handling hazardous materials. Temperature gauges, “Highly Flammable” icons, and caution callouts were placed strategically for clarity and balance.
Seatex’s brand guidelines drove every post move. Colors, typography, and graphic styles matched their existing materials. Final tweaks to color and text overlays were fine-tuned to stay on-brand and reinforce identity.

Collaboration & Revisions in Post

Revisions were minimal. The key update was syncing the BTEX acronym with the voiceover. Seatex was pleased, calling out how clean and on-brand the animation looked. Our streamlined internal workflow kept things efficient and delivered on schedule.

Transcript:

Seatex is a one-stop-shop for all your custom chemical blending and manufacturing needs.

That means when you have a project that involves flammable materials, heating up to 400 degrees, scrubbing high VOCs, or even total molecular change, we’re the company to call. 

At our state-of-the-art facilities, we’re equipped to process ammonia, BTEX chemicals, and many other hazardous substances, whether liquid or dry.

So contact us today and hear how we can meet your specialty chemical needs.