Microsoft’s Silicon Valley Campus
This video of Microsoft’s Silicon Valley Campus in Mountain View, filmed using DJI Inspire 2’s, a RED Gemini, and a RED Komodo, debuts the in-progress construction and newly completed property, highlighting the campus’ integration with the natural wetland ecosystem and carbon-negative green initiatives. The footage showcases the on-site water treatment plant, thermal storage tanks, cross-laminated timber, solar panels, and eco-friendly living roof that restores the site's natural biodiversity of the area. This piece highlights Microsoft’s growing presence in Silicon Valley attracting top tech talent in the area and emphasizing a message of connection with their employees, customers, and community.
PHASE 2: MODERN WORKPLACE BUILT FOR CONNECTION
PHASE 1: SUSTAINABLY BUILT, PEOPLE CENTERED DESIGN
CHALLENGE
Facing a unique challenge with the construction and completion of Microsoft’s Silicon Valley Campus in Mountain View, CA. The global pandemic restrictions prevented traditional press engagement and on-site visitations during critical development phases, hindering their ability to perform a conventional press release and update the public on the progress of their campus.
Microsoft sought an innovative solution to showcase the evolving property, emphasizing its integration with the natural environment, sustainable features, and its appeal to top tech talent in Silicon Valley. The challenge extended beyond the physical construction constraints to the need for a digital approach that would resonate with a global audience, reinforcing Microsoft's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community connection.
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Agency Workflow
Brand + Asset Audit
Strategic Priorities
Stakeholder Interviews
Production Methodology
Location Scout + FAA Permits to Fly
Safety Protocol Review
VFX Matchmoving + Motion Design
Cinema Skillsets
Heavy Lift Cinema Drone
RED Raw + Cine Lenses
Motion Controlled Stabilizers
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Created Microsoft’s debut Silicon Valley Mountain View campus tour, highlighting key features and newly completed construction.
Replaced need for in-person press release due to nationwide lockdowns.
Designed custom motion graphics + text to convey company values.
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Our team combined the use of innovative drone technology, cinema cameras, and 3D/2D animation, setting a new benchmark in visual storytelling for corporate communications and marketing. This groundbreaking approach not only strengthened Microsoft's digital presence but also served as a powerful recruitment tool, attracting top talent to the newly completed Silicon Valley Campus.
The resulting video assets were published on Microsoft.com and distributed across Microsoft’s Social Media channels. The two videos quickly became Microsoft Silicon Valley’s most viewed content on their YouTube Channel. Beyond the impressive engagement metrics, the use of specialty cinematic techniques provided a unique perspective of the campus's architectural marvels, creating a digital storm of positive reactions across all social media platforms.
Framework Films' commitment to pushing creative boundaries shines through, demonstrating our ability to deliver impactful and visually stunning narratives.
PROCESS
This video, showcasing our aerial footage and specialty RED cinematics, takes viewers behind the scenes of Microsoft's landmark Silicon Valley Campus in Mountain View, providing context and insights from both the Construction Phase 1 titled "Microsoft's Silicon Valley Campus - Sustainably Built, People Centered Design" and Completion Phase 2 titled "Silicon Valley Campus – A Modern Workplace Built for Connection".
This video production, which spanned more than 2 years of filming, was captured using multiple DJI Inspire 2 Drones with Zenmuse X7, a RED Gemini, a RED Komodo, and a DJI Ronin 2. Framework Films brings leading industry tools and technologies to capture Microsoft's Silicon Valley Campus in stunning 4K+ quality. These video assets, animated 3D/2D motion graphics, and client deliverables from our Production Company and Studio shaped and strengthened Microsoft's communication strategy in Silicon Valley to highlight their involvement in the globally recognized technology hub.
In this Specialty Cinematics 'making of' video, Framework Films introduces their team, discusses Microsoft's integration in Silicon Valley, showcases drone and cinema camera methodologies, summarizes the FAA permit approval process to fly in proximity to NASA's Moffett Federal Airfield, emphasizes the importance of consistent natural light 2 years between production dates, and reviews occupational health and safety procedures while on-set. Many hours of planning and numerous site visits contributed to the success of this campaign.
BONUS MEDIA
Microsoft SVC: 360 Virtual Tour
Framework Films created a 360 virtual tour to view the new facilities digitally.
Intro Screen Design Alternative
Original design and color prototype for Microsoft’s SVC Phase 2’s 3D/2D animated intro screen.
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