surface motion is a collaboration between art director Markus Weisbeck (surface) and director Oliver Hardt (signature films). The project started in 2008, when they began collaborating on the creative direction of the annual German Design Award ceremony, the country‘s highest distinction in the field of design. In the following years they created a series of expressive artworks for the internationally renowned event. Their artistic approach integrates multiple disciplines, including modernist film experiments, cutting-edge analogue and digital motion graphics, spatial projections, stage design, and stage direction.
Designing the German Design Award 2013
Documentation of the entire event, including award ceremony and exhibitions
For the sixth time now, Markus Weisbeck (surface) and Oliver Hardt (signature films) created the design for the German Design Award Ceremony. The central theme for this year´s visual concept for the prestigious award, issued by the German Design Council, was a transparent stage architecture that reflects itself in a virtual space. The design was conceived regarding its use for various medias: from invitations, posters and large scale prints for the exhibition design leading up to the animated presentation of the winning products during the awards ceremony. The 3D animations were realized in collaboration with Michael Wagner (tvt .film+vfx).
Live act: Moritz von Oswald Trio
Visuals by Oliver Hardt and Markus Weisbeck
Animation for the Personality award presentation – Hartmut Esslinger
Music by a.k.a.
Animation Newcomer Awards
Animation samples of the Product Design awards presentation
Animation samples of the Communication Design awards presentation
Credit Sequence