The Red Shoes: Next Step

THE MARKETING OF A MODERN CLASSIC

Carnival Studio was engaged in developing theatrical key art for the contemporary coming-of-age ballet film The Red Shoes : Next Step by independent filmmakers Jessie Ahern and Tanya Esposito.

As this was not a remake of the original British classic, we sought to differentiate this film visually and avoid parallels to avoid confusion. We sought to appeal directly to young and aspiring dancers for whom the film is squarely positioned, knowing the older dance audience would be engaged by the title alone.

Working with photographer Daniel Sievert, we shot lead actor/dancer Juliette Doherty and the dance studio as separate plates, which were composited later, and after multiple character trials, the final composition was settled upon, leading to finishing and grading.

Carnival also commissioned world-renowned lettering designer Luke Lucas to develop a bespoke 3D title treatment (below) to add a lush and distinctive feel to the key art. Inspired by pointe shoe ribbons, the title provides a unique and elegant identity for the film which was rolled out across print, digital and motion mediums.