AMBILIGHT TV - Art Direction for Screen Content

AMBILIGHT tv 
Art Direction for TV Screen Visuals (Screenfills)
Ambilight, a groundbreaking technology by Philips, launched in 2004, revolutionizes TV viewing by extending on-screen content beyond the confines of the display. Through dynamic illumination, Ambilight creates an immersive visual experience that transcends traditional boundaries, captivating viewers and transforming every moment into a luminous spectacle and thus protecting the viewers eyes.

In our project, we tackle the artistic challenge of designing visuals that not only enhance Ambilight's brilliance but also give each TV model its own unique identity. Our goal is to harmonize the diverse Ambilight TV range while connecting the concept of light to the multiple photos used for each TV.
The challenge lay not merely in creating captivating visuals but in crafting an immersive narrative that resonated across every television model mantaining a connecting thread accross the different models released each year.

Understanding Ambilight TV
Ambilight is not just a feature; it's an experience. It's the vibrant glow that spills from the edges of the screen, dynamically adapting to the content while moving with it, and extending the visual canvas into the viewer's living space.

Decoding Screenfills
Screenfills serve as the visual centerpiece of Ambilight TVs, playing a crucial role in product photography by infusing appeal and allure into the display. These images, unique to each TV model, are meticulously crafted to adhere to specific color strategies while showcasing realistic content in a visually captivating manner. Designed to highlight the immersive brilliance of Ambilight technology, screenfills aim to ensure that the light cast by the TV is as visually enticing as possible, enhancing the overall appeal of the product. While the "generic" screenfills are created specifically to identify each TV model, other visuals, such as captures of the operating system, movies, series or paintings, are utilized during photoshoots to further showcase the versatility and functionality of the product, by using contents similar to what a consumer would see.

Project Objective
Every year new television models are released, with different screen technologies, designs, features, and price points. The new strategy created for the production of the screenfills had as the main goal the creation of an overarching concept/visual element that can represent the Ambilight experience, while connecting the various TV models visually. 

The project goals are twofold: firstly, to connect the various Ambilight TV models through a visually appealing concept that effectively illustrates the immersive nature of Ambilight. This involves creating a unified visual narrative that highlights the unique features of Ambilight while showcasing each TV model's individuality. Secondly, the aim is to develop a concept that is future-proof, capable of adapting to evolving market trends and technological advancements. This ensures that our visual approach remains relevant and impactful over time.
Competition Study
As seen above, most brands opt for an abstract direction in the visuals used in each TV. These images are not directly related to any feature, or have an overarching concept that allows the identification of a brand or TV.

Being Ambilight such a differentiating factor among Philips TVs, there was a need for representing the emotional benefit in the screenfills. For this, the team had to think about what's the benefits of this technology, and how to visually represent the enhanced experience that comes with it.
Past Screenfills
Before the project
2013
2014
2018
2020
2021
Brainstorming
We explored creative ways to harness light, color, and motion to represent each TV model while maintaining adaptability for future iterations. This phase laid the groundwork for a versatile and engaging visual concept that would unify the Ambilight TV lineup.
During this phase we explored and searched for inspiration in the work of several artists, from creative photography to 3D imagery, looking for instances of artistic work where light and natural elements are combined and interact.
Credits: Baber Afzal, Ruben Wu, Artur Debat, Benoit Paillé, Stuart Lippincott, Quentin Deronzier
The central theme of our brainstorming sessions revolved around the transformative power of light, inspired by its ability to interact with natural elements and create a gateway to a more immersive and engaging world of content. We conceptualized light as a metaphorical portal, inviting viewers to step inside the content and immerse themselves in a dynamic visual experience. Drawing on this concept, we chose to portray each TV model as a window into this captivating world, with light forming a frame within the photography work, symbolizing the journey of entering the content. This "light frame" motif became the cornerstone of the series of screenfills we created, serving as a visual representation of the Ambilight experience and the excitement of exploring new and vibrant content.
2022 Screenfills
2023
For the 2023 screenfills, we continued with the same concept of the "light frame," building upon its success to further emphasize the relationship between Ambilight technology and the immersive world of content. This consistent approach not only strengthens our visual narrative but also continues the story of the portal, reinforcing the idea of Ambilight TVs as gateways to a more engaging viewing experience. By keeping the continuity with the previous screenfills, we ensure a cohesive and impactful representation of Ambilight's uniqueness across all TV models.
For each screenfill, an animated version was also produced, pushing further the concept of motion and showcasing the dynamic effect that Ambilight has in a TV.
2024
This new creative concept not only ensures a consistent look across our Ambilight TV lineup but also grants us the flexibility to incorporate a wide range of content, regardless of its color matching our strategy. With this approach, we have greater freedom to leverage content from our partners, enriching the visual experience for our customers. What began as a solution for screenfills has evolved into the cornerstone of our Ambilight TV branding and storytelling. The "light frame" motif now plays a pivotal role in various assets, including packaging, in-store branding, digital assets, and social media. It has become the primary visual representation of Ambilight TV, unifying our brand identity across diverse channels and mediums.
Credits

Art and Creative Direction: Natalia Oprowska, João Fernandes, Two Fish.
Content Marketing Management: Maria Ntaliani
Screenfills production: TwoFish
Photoshoots and CGI Production: Lukkien
AMBILIGHT TV - Art Direction for Screen Content
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