Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Garcia Grech, Orin Torati, Santiago Ceballos and Dana Shaviv. They and their team shared their story with us below:
RAW is a studio of speculative worldbuilders and explorers of uncharted territories. We seamlessly fuse design with 3D technology to craft narrative worlds—spaces where brands and storytellers can evoke emotion, leaving lasting impressions. Whether donning the hat of a real-time 3D artist, director, creative director, or provocateur, our dedication to exploring visual realms allows us to shape ideas of fiction or our future. Our founders form a multinational team, with Santiago Ceballos representing Colombia, Luis Garcia Grech representing Spain, Dana Shaviv representing Israel, and Orin Torati representing Belgium. These diverse backgrounds, personal stories, and the passion that brought us together in LA enrich our work with cultural depth and imbue it with a distinct personality.
Although formally trained as architects, our shared love for storytelling and the moving image ultimately led us to the entertainment industry. After completing our Master’s degrees in Fiction and Entertainment at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), joining forces became the most enjoyable decision.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having only begun our journey with RAW in the winter of 2022, the austerity of the entertainment industry was not the warmest welcome. Exciting opportunities came our way, only to turn into pumpkins when the clock struck 2023. These challenges taught us the value of investing in relationships, fostering new friendships, and indulging in creative daydreaming until passion projects turned adversity into lemonade. Looking back, we’re surprised at what we have accomplished in the tumultuous 2023 landscape. From designing concept art for Wired Japan, producing a VFX-based shoe commercial for artist brand Happy Medium, collaborating with Havoc Entertainment on a virtual production commercial shoot for Allegiant Airlines, and more, we consider ourselves fortunate to have explored storytelling and technical skills across various mediums.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We employ experimental 3D technologies, virtual production, and traditional VFX pipelines to bring our visions to fruition. Utilizing AI tools and industry-leading software such as Unreal Engine, Houdini, Maya, Nuke, and Marvelous Designer, we meticulously craft a unique workflow for each project, ensuring the most efficient and aesthetically captivating result. Embracing the unexpected is what keeps us fresh. Each project is an opportunity for innovation and collaboration with individuals who push boundaries. A notable example is ‘4993 Feet Under,’ a wildly experimental tech demo at the intersection of live cinema and real-time technology, produced by RAW for artists Ina Chen, Calvin Sin, and Lu Te-Hsing. From a visual narrative unfolding in reaction to sound to deep sea creatures reacting in real-time to the performer’s hand gestures, this project stressed our excitement in bringing immersive experiences to life.
At RAW, our work thrives by drawing from knowledge gained through ventures into diverse industries and personal development. Orin and Luis engage in teaching at SCI-Arc, where they enjoy the fruits of academia. Santiago collaborates frequently with VFX giant Method Studios and takes on projects in architectural visualization at Shimahara Visual. Dana is a Senior Visualizer at BMW Group Designworks, the design innovation studio for BMW.
We believe a team like ours is uniquely equipped to guide brands and storytellers in developing their intellectual properties.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
As architects and 3D artists, the pandemic highlighted untapped potential within the entertainment industry, where our practical expertise in physical space and virtual technologies could bring unique value. Recognizing the need to pivot and expand the boundaries of storytelling, we honed our distinctive skillset. This journey allowed us to seamlessly traverse between physical and virtual realms, exploring various experimental mediums. Today, in the post-pandemic era, there’s a hunger for novel ways to consume experiences and evoke emotions, fueling our commitment to pioneering new and emotionally resonant worlds.
Contact Info:
- Website: rawxworld.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawx_____?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raw-worlds
Image Credits
For the main group photo, image credit: Alicia Afshar
