Content Lead + Animator

Visual Warning: Fake Gore, Blood, other Crime Show sh!t. Proceed if Badass.

SOLVE:

AN INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW

SOLVE was the 2nd most watched Snapchat show that aired from 2018 to 2020. It was a mystery and puzzle-solving series that engaged viewers through interactive storytelling. The show presented users with a series of puzzles and challenges that they had to solve by interacting with the content and making choices. SOLVE leveraged Snapchat's interactive features, such as tap-to-view and swipe-up actions, to immerse the audience in the story and engage them in solving the mysteries.

With 2 new episodes every week, the show featured different storylines, each with its own unique puzzles, narrative twists, and creative art style. Overall, SOLVE was a creative and interactive show that captivated Snapchat users and provided them with an engaging and immersive entertainment experience.

  • "I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Denver as an Animator and Creative Lead. He was able to develop countless designs, art styles, and games in an extremely fast paced environment. All while bringing an upbeat attitude and collaborative spirit to every phase of the creative process. I can’t recommend his services highly enough."

    Adam Lederer: Writer & Showrunner

SOLVE: Interactive Murder Mystery

SOLVE was an Interactive Murder Mystery show on Snapchat from 2018-2020. Audiences would tune in twice a week for new episodes where they assumed the role of Detective to solve crimes based on True Events.

Viewers would examine evidence, partake in puzzles and games to uncover more clues, and cast their vote on which suspect they believe committed the crime.

PROBLEMS:

SOLVE, the hit Snapchat show, faced significant obstacles during its production that required careful navigation and resourcefulness. The fierce competition from other publishers, tight budgets, and demanding production timelines put pressure on the team to deliver engaging content consistently. Moreover, the interactive nature of the show demanded continuous refinement of strategy, storytelling, and visual elements to keep viewers hooked.

However, through their unwavering commitment and innovative approaches, the team successfully created over 100 episodes with unique art styles, captivating true crime narratives, and interactive elements that resonated with the audience.

SOLUTIONS:

In response to the challenges faced during the production of SOLVE on Snapchat, we created many custom solutions. Leveraging our expertise in animation and design, the team crafted distinct art styles for each episode, ensuring a captivating visual experience. By creating interactive games, the audience was actively engaged in solving the true crime cases, enhancing their immersion and enjoyment.

We built & implemented custom animation templates and workflows to drastically increase efficiency & meet the demanding production schedule without compromising quality.

Our dedication to continuous improvement and audience satisfaction resulted in SOLVE becoming one of the most-watched shows on Snapchat, garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

MY CREATIVE ROLE: LEAD ANIMATOR

As Lead Animator on SOLVE, I shaped the visual aesthetics of each episode, collaborating closely with the team to optimize workflows and minimize costs. Designing and animating graphics and effects for 60+ episodes, I added depth and impact to the show's narrative. My expertise led to a full-time role, and I created custom visuals for diverse themes. Proud to have contributed to the creative direction of the series.

Featured on Apple’s App Store Front Page

During our time on SOLVE, our exceptional work caught the attention of Apple, leading to our show being featured on the front page of the App Store. The artwork I created played a significant role in this recognition, showcasing the captivating visuals and engaging design that drew viewers in.

Being showcased by Apple was a testament to the success and impact of our team's efforts, reaching a wider audience and solidifying SOLVE as a standout show in the competitive landscape of digital entertainment.

New Episode, New Art Style

As a Lead Animator on the SOLVE production, I played a significant role in shaping the visual aesthetics and creative direction of each episode. Collaborating closely with editors, directors, and producers, I worked diligently to optimize production workflows and contribute valuable insights to minimize costs and streamline post-production processes.

One of my primary responsibilities was designing and animating graphics and visual effects for over 60 episodes. From crafting captivating text and titles to creating interactive games, puzzles, and realistic simulations of various elements such as gore, gunshots, and more, I brought a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual storytelling to the project. Drawing from my extensive background in visual effects, I was able to push boundaries and introduce innovative ideas that added depth and impact to the show's overall narrative.

The team's recognition of my contributions led to the transition from a contractor to a full-time employee. Working on episodes with diverse themes, including college parties, fishing boat murders, high school drama, and government embezzlement, I took pride in creating custom graphics and production props that perfectly complemented each storyline. While I was just one part of a talented team, I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the creative decisions and visual look and feel of each episode.

Play Games, Uncover Clues

The strategic inclusion of interactive games in SOLVE propelled the show to great heights, captivating an average of 6 million viewers twice a week. By developing gameplay mechanics that involved matching clues, analyzing blood reports, deciphering rope knots, and examining handwriting samples, we successfully transformed passive viewers into active participants in solving the mysteries.

These interactive elements not only enhanced the overall entertainment value of the show but also played a pivotal role in fostering a strong connection with our audience, resulting in their unwavering support and impressive viewership numbers.

2nd

Most Watched Show on Snapchat

+6M

Avg Viewers per Episode

PROJECT OUTCOME

SOLVE achieved remarkable success with its captivating content and interactive approach. With unique art styles and animations across 100+ episodes, we engaged millions of Snapchat viewers. The show ranked #2 on Snapchat and was featured on the Apple App Store front page.

As Lead Animator, I played a crucial role in designing and animating visuals that brought the episodes to life. This fast-paced production environment honed my skills and contributed to SOLVE's enduring popularity. It was an incredible journey showcasing our ability to create compelling content and engage audiences in innovative ways.

Previous
Previous

Activision