UFC
Noche UFC
We joined forces with Antigravity Academy to create an unforgettable experience that fused live sports with cinematic storytelling, all showcased in the cutting-edge Sphere Las Vegas. As the global production partner, we managed every phase of this ambitious project—overseeing an extensive network of creators and partners. All led by our talented technical team, our process included using our bespoke VR app that allowed us to fully utilise the potential of the Sphere’s immersive format, and a unique pipeline to deliver the ambitious level of finishing required for this unique 16K screen.
Celebrating Mexico’s rich history, culture, and future, this series of six films, led by Oscar-nominated director Carlos López Estrada, was produced by Antigravity Academy and Nexus Studios. Premiering alongside the highly anticipated UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC, the films featured narration by Gael García Bernal (Y tu Mamá También, The Motorcycle Diaries) and a score by Germaine Franco (Encanto, Coco), with direction by world-class filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Technical Innovation
We set out with the modest goal of creating the Sphere’s most immersive experience to date by optimising our use of full-screen visuals, immersive sound, and 4D elements. Visually, the scale of each film is immense with a resolution of 12,000 by 12,000 pixels–totaling 144 million pixels. Filmmaking at this level required the development of a custom VR app, allowing the team and clients to review the films from the audience’s perspective within the Sphere. This extensive creative process ensured that every seat offered maximum impact for each viewer.
IN THE BEGINNING
Directed by Joe Sill and Brian Tang / Impossible Objects
Three decades since the world first witnessed a new era of combat, we gather where echoes of warriors past resonate through time, honouring Mexico’s enduring legacy. This all-CG intergalactic sequence merges iconic figures of Mexican independence with legendary UFC fighters. Statues formed from celestial dust rise in a surreal landscape, featuring Aztec soldiers alongside UFC greats, celebrating the shared heritage of warriors.
RITUALS & TRADITIONS
Directed by Paul Nicholls / Factory Fifteen
Through the rituals and traditions of Mexico’s earliest civilizations, the essence of the ancestors lives on, immortalised in customs that endure across generations. This chapter weaves together detailed research on ancient Mexican practices with a breathtaking fantasy world. Paul’s in-depth research, combined with Factory Fifteen’s expertise in immersive storytelling, culminated in a stunning moment at the film’s climax when a digital canopy of marigold flowers triggered the release of real petals falling inside the Sphere.
BATTLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
Directed by Diego Huacuja / BASA Estudios
At a defining moment in history, Mexico stands against centuries of colonial oppression, as the fight for independence shatters the chains and reshapes the future. The sweeping visuals, reminiscent of grand murals, pay homage to the bravery and resilience of those who fought for Mexico’s freedom, creating a powerful tribute to the nation’s revolutionary spirit.
FIGHTERS & HEROES
Directed by Shynola
Spanning from the origins of Mexico’s history to the present, iconic figures—from ancient leaders to modern sports heroes—embody the relentless spirit that defines the nation’s identity. This chapter opens with a majestic image of El Ángel, the iconic monument in Mexico City, symbolizing the country’s enduring strength. As the narration reflects on Mexico’s remarkable historical figures, the journey takes viewers inside El Ángel, where statues of these heroes reside within her heart. In the final act, the focus shifts to the present day, where Mexico’s legacy lives on in its people, represented by hundreds of statues of everyday citizens, showcasing the spirit that has shaped the nation’s past and will guide its future.
MEXICO TODAY AND TOMORROW
Directed by Paul Trillo, Studio: Factory Fifteen
The final film envisions a future Mexico—a city and civilization evolving from its rich lineage, as its people propel their culture forward into eternity. It follows a fearless woman as she leaps from the shadows, soaring over landscapes and into a reimagined Mexico City. Drawing from Mexico’s past and present, the film presents a vibrant, futuristic vision rooted in the nation’s heritage. The narrative builds through dynamic transitions between environments—caves, farmlands, and cityscapes—culminating in a kaleidoscopic mandala of iconic figures, symbolizing Mexico’s forward momentum and the unity of its rich history and future.