UNITY x SPHERE

NOCTURNAL SEGMENT

As the creative lead on the Nocturnal segment of Sphere’s immersive show UNITY, I was responsible for developing and art directing a rich cast of characters that brought this mystical nighttime world to life. Knowing how deeply Pasquale values the integrity of the brand and the sense of wonder he aims to share with headliners, I focused on building characters that felt both grounded in myth and alive with emotion.

Each creature, from Seenelec the color-shifting shaman tiger to Reystarn the junkyard hoarder raccoon, was rooted in a deeper lore. These weren’t just visual effects; they were personalities, guardians, and guides. Together, they helped define the emotional and narrative arc of Nocturnal, reflecting themes of loyalty, curiosity, protection, and transformation. I worked to ensure the characters weren’t just seen but felt.

This segment was a unique blend of storytelling and spectacle, character design and culture-building, all amplified through the scale and visual capabilities of The Sphere.

VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

In developing the look of the Nocturnal characters, exploration was key. Pasquale has a deep appreciation for options and creative range, so I led a highly iterative process that included moodboards, visual studies, and multiple style passes for each creature. From the luminous textures of Seenelec’s shifting fur to the layered scrap-built design of Reystarn, every detail was designed to align with the emotional tone of each realm.

We explored a variety of silhouettes, materials, and lighting treatments to find the right balance of fantasy and believability. The goal was to create designs that would feel striking on Sphere’s massive canvas but also resonate on a personal level with viewers. I collaborated closely with internal teams and external partners to translate each vision from concept to final look, ensuring flexibility for animation and environmental integration.

The final designs reflect that process: layered, story-rich, and full of personality. This was exactly the type of immersive experience Pasquale envisioned.

MORE TO COME..