Oud Milano
Oud Milano was more than just a beauty campaign; it was an ambitious, cinematic showcase of transformation. Starring the talented Mai Omar in one of her most challenging roles yet, the project pushed her to embody three completely different characters in a single day. Visually rich, packed with dynamic transitions and VFX, it was a true testament to the power of storytelling through beauty.
Challenges
This shoot demanded precision and versatility on multiple levels. Transforming a single actor into three distinct characters required rapid styling, makeup, and wardrobe changes all while maintaining clear narrative separation. We had to keep the energy up while working fast, ensuring each character had its own mood and style without compromising visual consistency. On top of that, the production needed to integrate complex transitions and heavy VFX work seamlessly into the final edit.
Production
Production was a high-speed balancing act of creativity and logistics. Our team planned the entire day to maximize efficiency, with styling and camera units working in parallel to reduce downtime. Each character was carefully blocked and lit to create distinct moods, while transitions were mapped with VFX in mind from the start. The set was alive with energy and collaboration, with departments coordinating closely to make sure Mai Omar’s performance shone across all three roles. Despite the demanding schedule, the atmosphere remained focused and professional, delivering a final film that felt bold, luxurious, and fully realized.
Equipment
We built the visual language of this project around a Phantom W and two ARRI Alexa 35 units, both set up for 35mm work. The Phantom W was essential for high-speed shots, capturing fine details in hair, fabric, and makeup with incredible clarity perfect for dramatic slow-motion reveals that elevated the beauty narrative. The dual Alexa 35 units let us shoot with two full units in parallel, critical for meeting the tight schedule of transforming a single actor into three characters in one day. This setup also ensured consistent color science and dynamic range across multiple setups, giving us the freedom to grade boldly in post while maintaining a polished, premium finish worthy of the brand.
