Los Angeles, March 27th, 2003: To demonstrate AOL’s broadband improvement over its older, slower dial-up internet service, BBDO/NY, RSA’s Jake Scott and Rhythm + Hues Commercials recently teamed up for a lightning-fast, first ever CG makeover of AOL’s ubiquitous Running Man logo.

The resulting :30, “Six Million Dollar Man,”* contemporizes the opening graphic from the classic 70’s TV show, inserting the Running Man in place of Steve Austin. “We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better, stronger, faster” intones the familiar voice-over, as scientists and technicians put the Running Man through his paces, at first on a treadmill and then an open road.

Conceived of and produced in a matter of days, the spot was delivered in time to debut during The Academy Awards® broadcast on Sunday, March 23rd.

“Actually, we do have the technology,” quipped Amy Massingale, executive producer of R+H Commercials’ CG and Post Division. “We have extensive Flame resources, in addition to 3D, that have been primarily supporting the studio’s feature film work. We are now really focusing those talents on commercial work as well, and growing relationships with live action commercial directors like Jake Scott and Sam Raimi."

Jake Scott approached Rhythm + Hues Commercials’ 3D and Post team to produce the spot’s numerous digital elements. After the initial creative meeting with Scott and BBDO Producer Peter Feldman, R+H Flame artist Tim Miller, assisted by graphic artists Marco Bacich and Nick diNapoli, went straight to work designing graphics that would support the vision for the spot. By the time the live-action shoot was taking place two days later, Rhythm + Hues CG Director John-Mark Austin and his team had already modeled and tested animation of the 3D AOL logo and had created a first pass of all the overlay elements for the spot.

JD Smythe of Rock Paper Scissors provided Rhythm + Hues with a rough cut and then the team started the process of integrating the graphic design as well as tracking and animating the 3D shots. Once the film was transferred, Rhythm + Hues spent the remaining four days comping the design graphics, refining the concept of the 3D Running Man and integrating him into the film environments shot by RSA. Daily visits from the agency and director allowed the artists the rapid feedback and collaboration that allowed the delivery of the spot on a virtually nonexistent schedule.

Karey Maltzahn, R+H Commercials’ director of 2D and Post, noted “the fast turn-around of the AOL spot showcases the ability of our pipeline to draw from the strengths and resources of the larger studio whenever necessary.

"The Six Million Dollar Man is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All Rights Reserved."