L-R: Joerg Liebold, Zidi Liebold
Creative studio Nice Shoes has signed directing duo MIRROR+SPARKS for U.S. commercial and film representation in immersive and XR experiences. The Munich-based duo, comprised of Zidi Liebold and Joerg Liebold, fuses its diverse skill set in live-action, design, 3D animation, VFX and cross-platform storytelling to craft vivid experiences featuring non-linear narratives that allow viewers to interact and explore beautiful environments. MIRROR+SPARKS creates innovative immersive storytelling that infuses technically and artistically complex projects with comprehensive concepts across multiple platforms. The duo’s top clients include brands such as Audi, Cook Medical and Janua, along with top global art institutions including the Pace Gallery, Clyfford Still Museum and Aspen Art Museum. Recently, they earned two coveted Gold German Brand Awards from the German Design Council in “Excellence in Brand Strategy and Creation” and “Brand Communications” for their 360 VR experience for furniture brand Janua. They are currently working on a VR narrative experience that provides users with an inside perspective on the personal and professional life of the renowned artist and director Julian Schnabel.
“The work that MIRROR+SPARKS creates is astounding in terms of their approach to scale, which allows users to be a part of the story, not simply be a fly on the wall,” notes Nice Shoes Executive Producer Nick Litwinko. “Their consistent high caliber of image quality and meticulous approach is something that complements the way that we work at Nice Shoes and we are thrilled to partner with Zidi and Joerg to continue to push the envelope of visual mastery in live-action immersive experiences.”
“It is vital to us to partner with a studio that holds the same level of importance toward consistently top-level creative standards, and Nice Shoes is just that,” adds Zidi Liebold. “Their work is grounded in superior visual technique and impeccable attention to detail, and we look forward to working together to continue to push the limits of what is possible in immersive storytelling.”
Zidi brings a design focus to every project, leveraging her background in 3D animation, photography and design to develop creative concepts and spearhead the visual execution from a technical POV. She began her career across the advertising and design industries, working on projects across multiple mediums for such top brands as Coca-Cola, Siemens, Air France, IBM, Procter & Gamble, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. As a designer, she spent over six years defining and elevating the visual language in the beauty and fashion space while working with Victoria’s Secret Beauty, developing and overseeing direction for cohesive design-driven concepts across integrated creative campaigns.
Joerg launched his career as a photographer before transitioning to post production. After contributing to the success of animation and post studios as VFX Supervisor, he took the next step in his career to focus on animation and design by joining PSYOP in its New York headquarters in 2003. He spent over a decade at the renowned shop as a Technical Director and Senior VFX Director. Constantly investigating new filming techniques and technologies, he worked on his first VR project in 2013, a VR pilot experience for a Formula One race in Austin, TX. Joerg is also passionate about educating a new generation of creative talent and is a Professor for VFX, Animation and Emerging Media at the University of Applied Sciences, “Hochschule Macromedia,” in Munich, Germany.
ABOUT NICE SHOES
Nice Shoes is a creative studio. We deliver problem-solving solutions across the production process. We create lasting experiences and immersive worlds. Headquartered in New York City for over 20 years, we are an independent, client-focused studio with locations throughout North America and a global talent roster.
Our focus on service delivers an excellent client experience.
Our team of artists and producers work smart and play nice.
We are a trusted partner, finding creative solutions for our clients in an atmosphere of collaboration, passion and deep expertise. Every service under one roof. One point of contact. When everyone has less time to do more, that is exactly what Nice Shoes delivers.