Rent, don't Buy

La Manivelle (Charmilles – MACO), a Geneva-based library of over 5,000 items available for rental, commissioned us to create an advertising spot for cinema and web. The goal is to highlight the magic of borrowing, inviting the public to dream and rethink the notion of ownership through a memorable film driven by special effects, suited both for public screenings at festivals and for online distribution.

We started with a brainstorm to find an idea that was both original and true to what La Manivelle actually stands for. Several concepts were developed and pitched before landing on the "Vortex": a playful, fantastical portal that sweeps viewers into La Manivelle's world of possibilities.

Once the concept was chosen, we moved into pre-production, a storyboard was developed to map out the VFX sequences, and the treatment was refined to make sure every shot served the story. Objects spiral into scenes, transforming everyday moments into imaginative narratives that celebrate access over ownership.

Special effects were the key narrative tool on this project. Dynamic transitions and seamless object reveals were planned in the storyboard and then built carefully in post-production to sustain wonder from first frame to last.  

The film premiered at CinéTransat in Geneva and was then adapted for cinema adverts and online placements to create a consistent presence across all channels.