Through the Eyes of Janus

Midnight Sherpa in collaboration with Framestore’s team in China created the WE Summit opening film, a 3-minute experiential film to run as a prelude to the conference. The opening piece was to be as grand in physical dimension as it was in thematic scope. Three LED screens, custom built in Shenzhen and spanning a total width of almost 300 feet would arc 180 degrees around the audience in the circular venue to create an arresting cinematic experience. Midnight Sherpa and Framestore developed a narrative centered around Janus, the Roman god of past and future. Through Janus’ eye, we journey through time, nature, astrology, technology, and beyond. A bold visual sense combined with an energetic score by our friends at Yessian Music created a dynamic and memorable installation on an epic scale.

Space, Time, and Immersion

The Beijing Exhibition Center served as the venue for the WE Summit event. The circular theater provided a unique space that allowed us to immerse the audience in the story. We had the opportunity to work closely with the crew in Beijing to propose the shape and dimensions of the physical screen in order to deliver the most impactful experience possible. As part of our scope of work, Midnight Sherpa also created a VR experience integrating the space and content so that viewers can experience the piece contextually.

With our theme focused on Janus and the passage of time, a narrative emerged that chronicled scientific discoveries and tools throughout history. The piece takes the audience on a journey through time through the lens of Janus himself. Our process included in-depth research into ancient and modern scientific disciplines as a foundation to our visual storytelling and design.