BIG SKY: RAMCHARGER 8
Big Sky, Montana, is one of the largest ski and lodge resorts in the U.S.,
They needed an animated piece to showcase the scale and
excitement of their Ramcharger 8 lift experience.
This project was created specifically for an ultrawide display, which meant every design and
motion choice had to account for resolution, pacing, and legibility across an unusually
large canvas. I led the project from concept through final delivery, developing storyboards,
animating the sequences, compositing the visuals, and handling sound design.
THE ASK
I was tasked with creating a 10–15 second cinematic video
featuring animated transitions of the Ramcharger 8 logo.
The piece needed to feel bold, energetic, and polished enough to hold its own on a massive, ultrawide screen at Big Sky Resort, where it would play for thousands of skiers. The final deliverable was a single ultra-wide format video, designed specifically for the scale
and impact of the resort’s display environment.
STORYBOARDS
For this project, I focused heavily on storyboarding and
concept development to create a cinematic, high-impact sequence.
The concept centers on two rams charging toward each other from opposite sides of the frame,
symbolizing force, energy, and power. I crafted each shot to build tension: starting with a close-up
of the first ram engulfed in tundra, followed by a mirrored shot of the second ram, and then an even tighter close-up to amplify the momentum. The storyboard culminates in a dramatic pullback revealing both rams colliding, releasing a burst of snow and energy that transitions seamlessly into the reveal of the Ramcharger 8 logo. Every beat was designed to create a sense of
scale, movement, and brand strength.
BEHIND THE SCENES
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was exploring character rigging for the first time.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was exploring character rigging for the first time. I’d been eager to expand my animation toolkit, and this project gave me the perfect opportunity to dive in. To ground the animation in believable motion, I studied quadruped biomechanics, breaking down how joints, weight, and rhythm flow together in natural movement. From there, I used Duik Bassel to build a fully functional rig that gave the character flexibility and personality.The process pushed me both technically and creatively, and seeing the rig come to life on screen was an incredibly rewarding milestone in my growth as an animator.
* Additional details regarding the Ramcharger 8 can be found here: Ramcharger Press