Crafting Standards: DIN’s E-Mobility Stop Motion Clip
In a world dominated by digital solutions, it’s easy to forget the beauty of analog creativity. During my tenure at C3 Creative Code and Content, I had the unique opportunity to bridge these two worlds in a project that was both a challenge and a delight. The project was for DIN – Deutsches Institut für Normung, an organization that most would associate with the dry and methodical world of standards and norms. However, DIN’s role in shaping the e-mobility landscape offered a chance to explore the creative potential within this otherwise rigid field.
The Client: DIN and the Green World of E-Mobility
DIN is a name synonymous with standards, not just within Germany, but on an European and international level. The institution plays a pivotal role in developing the frameworks that industries operate within, from the specifications of bolts and screws to the intricate requirements of emerging technologies. In recent years, DIN has ventured into the e-mobility market, crafting the standards that ensure the safe and efficient operation of electric vehicles, charging stations, and the broader infrastructure that supports them.
This project offered us a chance to see the world through DIN’s eyes – a world where precision meets innovation, and where standards are the unsung heroes of progress. Our challenge was to capture this intersection of tradition and technology in a way that was both engaging and reflective of DIN’s mission.
The Concept: Paper Craft Meets E-Mobility
The idea was simple yet profound: use the tactile, analog nature of paper craft to illustrate the digital future of e-mobility. We wanted to create a stop-motion clip that would tell the story of how standards evolve from a simple idea – represented by a blank sheet of paper – into fully realized, tangible products that power the e-mobility revolution.
The decision to use paper craft was deliberate. In an era where everything is digitized, the analog process of cutting, folding, and shaping paper provided a stark yet beautiful contrast. It served as a metaphor for the meticulous work that goes into creating standards – a process that, while often unseen, is foundational to the final product.
The Process: Bringing Paper to Life
To bring this vision to life, we collaborated with two incredible artists, Cris Wiegandt and Lacy Barry. Over the course of several days, they painstakingly crafted over 400 individual pieces of paper art, each one designed to play a specific role in the story. These pieces ranged from cars to charging stations, to wind turbines representing green energy.
The shoot itself took place in a small studio, a setting that became both a haven for creativity and a crucible of endurance. Over two full days, we captured the stop-motion sequence frame by frame, each shot meticulously planned and executed. The motion control arm, operated by DoP Andy Kaiser, was essential in ensuring the fluidity of the final sequence. It was a test of patience and precision, where every slight adjustment made a significant impact on the final outcome.
The Result: A Seamless Blend of Art and Standards
The final clip is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. It flows seamlessly, almost like an animated sequence, but retains the organic, handcrafted feel that can only be achieved through analog methods. The transition from a blank piece of paper to a vibrant, dynamic scene of e-mobility showcases not just the product of standards, but the process – a journey from ideation to realization.
Despite the challenges – from the physical constraints of the small studio to the painstakingly slow process of stop-motion – this project remains one of my favorites. It’s a reminder that creativity can flourish even in the most unexpected places, and that even the most rigid of subjects, like standards and norms, can be brought to life in imaginative ways.
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Content Creation
This project for DIN was more than just a marketing campaign; it was a learning experience. It taught me that every project, no matter how technical or mundane it might seem on the surface, holds the potential for creativity and innovation. As content creators and marketing leads, it’s our job to find that potential and bring it to life in ways that resonate with our audience.
In a world where digital content is king, don’t be afraid to draw on analog techniques. Sometimes, the most effective way to communicate a cutting-edge idea is through the simplicity and charm of handmade craftsmanship. After all, in the pursuit of setting new standards, both in industry and in creativity, it’s the attention to detail that makes all the difference.
TEAM
Matthias Jarochowski – Creative Director, Agency C3
Tina Rentzsch – Senior Producer
Dominic Tetz – Editor
Lacy Barry & Cris Wiegandt @ COSMOPOLA – Paper Art
Alejandra Vargas Díaz – Craft Assistant
Andreas Dihm – Stopmotion-Animation
Andy Kaiser – DoP & Motion Control Operator
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