LOBO, best known for its work in animation, design and mixed media, has launched a standalone live-action division which includes the international company expanding its presence in the U.S. market. This entails full live production services being led by New York-based executive producer Paul Amorese, a four-year LOBO veteran. 

Meanwhile LOBO’s headquarters in Brazil houses a state-of-the-art studio, which regularly attracts U.S. brands to South America. One such example is Coca-Cola’s “Recycle Me” campaign created by Ogilvy New York and produced by LOBO.

LOBO is no stranger to live action. The company’s animation-led projects often include live-action elements. And as the industry continues to shift, the speed at which LOBO adapts is fast becoming one of its biggest strengths. 

With the recent buzz surrounding generative art, for example, LOBO utilized AI for the concepting phase of their film, “SAP Office Cat.” Working in collaboration with BBDO NY and SAP, LOBO turned out the project which featured an animated cat painted in the style of Van Gogh. While the mischievous feline was created using traditional CG techniques, the use of AI early in the process hints at a myriad of future applications for this groundbreaking technology.

With the rise in popularity of mixed-media work, clients have increased their demand for one supplier to fulfill their needs. The all-new live-action division will help LOBO address that.

“We’ve been actively involved in live-action productions for many years, but it’s become such an integral part of our studio that we feel now is the right time to develop it further,” said LOBO managing partner Luis Ribeiro. “All live-action division work and directors will be displayed front and center on our website to showcase our diversity of skill set and extremely talented team.”

The new division will hit the ground running with a roster of directors which includes LOBO mainstays Coutinho&Batti, Felipe Mansur, Gabriel Dietrich, Ricardo Carelli, Sebastien Caudron, Gabriel Nobrega, Mateus Santos, and Joao Tenorio.

Ribeiro noted that these directors have been instrumental in shaping LOBO’s reputation and that “they will be joined by other exceptional, handpicked talent in a partnership soon to be announced.”

Amorese said, “Our journey into live-action filmmaking has been years of dedication and innovation in the making. With a portfolio of groundbreaking projects, a team of exceptional talent, and cutting-edge technology, we’re standing on the brink of a revolutionary shift in storytelling. Our goal is unequivocal: to showcase our mastery of blending mixed media techniques, which has become LOBO’s hallmark expertise. We’re not just prepared; we’re fueled by our passion to redefine the benchmarks of live-action production.” 

Clients like Jeep, KnobCreek, UPS, KFC, and Tresemmé have all tapped into the studio’s capabilities. Robotic cinematography captures scenes in unusual and artistic ways by offering precise and dynamic camera movements. Motion control systems allow for the pre-programming of camera movements and parameters, optimizing production time while ensuring high-quality footage. Virtual production can project landscapes and backgrounds in high quality with stunning realism. Virtual production also mitigates external challenges such as bad weather or natural light and offers more creative freedom and comfort for clients and actors, with scene changes happening seamlessly.

LOBO also scored a recent Gold win at Ciclope Latino 2024 for its animated sustainability initiative for LG Appliances’ “Better Choices Make a Better World.”