Northern Data Group - The Glass Hermit

Northern Data Group presents “The Glass Hermit,” an original short film directed by Oscar-winning artist Shona Heath. 

The film balances experimental filmmaking with the latest developments in AI to demonstrate the irreplaceable impact of human creativity. Northern Data Group’s “Innovation Bravery” campaign champions innovators like Heath who push creative boundaries and spark important conversations about the future of AI. Heath remained true to her analogue creative process to bring “The Glass Hermit” to life, while experimenting with AI through each stage of the production.

The Glass Hermit is an ambitious and thought-provoking project, not only in terms of its artistic direction but also in how it bridges the gap between analogue creativity and the possibilities offered by AI. The fact that Shona, an Oscar-winning artist known for her unique and tactile approach to design, stayed true to her analogue process while experimenting with AI throughout the production speaks volumes about the project's philosophy.

Blind Pig was invited to collaborate with agency Team Lewis and production company HELO on the creative AI integration and all post production. 

By balancing traditional filmmaking techniques with cutting-edge AI technology, we were tasked to underscore the idea that while AI can serve as a powerful tool, it is the human touch—intuition, emotion, and innovation—that ultimately drives creativity. This approach mirrors the broader conversation about the role of AI in art and society: technology can enhance or inspire, but it can’t replace the core of human creativity.

The film’s balance of the old and new - experimenting with AI while respecting analogue methods - might also invite audiences to consider how these two worlds can coexist, enriching one another rather than competing for dominance.

CREDITS

Agency - Team Lewis

Production Company - HELO

AI Animation - Blind Pig
Executive Creative Director - Ric Comline
Storyboards - Christine Peters
AI Animation - Sveety K, Ric Comline, Gus Ribeiro
Title Animation - William Smith, Lawrence Scanlon
Executive Producer - Thierry Levy
Senior Producer - Ana Hoxha
Production Assistant - Ben Riley

Post Production - Absolute
VFX Supervisor - Gus Ribeiro
Compositing - Ric Comline, Gus Ribeiro
Cleanup - Jasmine Cooper, Tommy Coulter-Liston
Offline Edit - Ollie Burn

Audio - Absolute
Head of Sound - Rich Martin
Sound Assistant - Daniel Panayi

Colour - Absolute
Creative Director / Colourist - Peter Oppersdorff
Head of Colour Production - Leianna Gilmartin