SLB - Lift Performance
The Client
SLB
Quick Summary
SLB is a global leader in oilfield technology and services. Lift Performance is their end-to-end artificial lift management solution that covers everything from digital planning and shipment tracking to real-time monitoring and expert troubleshooting.
But how do you blend cinematic 3D animation with authentic human moments, and make it feel like one unified story?
The Project
When Technology Meets Humanity
At Motion Giraffx, we specialize in translating complex technical workflows into engaging visual stories. For SLB's Lift Performance offering, we faced a unique creative challenge: tell a story that spans both underground petroleum engineering and above-ground human collaboration.
So we built a hybrid production combining our 3D animation expertise with live-action filmmaking. We opened with cinematic CG of oil flowing (and stopping) downhole, then transitioned to real footage of SLB's team responding in real time.
Rather than treat these as separate pieces, we wove them into one seamless narrative. The result feels cohesive, human, and technically credible.
The Challenge
Oil production isn't static. Conditions underground can change in minutes. Pressure drops, flow rates shift, equipment performance degrades. Artificial lift systems have to respond just as fast.
SLB needed a video that could communicate the agility and intelligence of their comprehensive lift performance ecosystem. But this wasn't just about showcasing technology. It was about showing the collaboration between planning tools, logistics systems, monitoring platforms, and most importantly, people.
Their Use Case
Lift Performance spans the entire lifecycle: digital planning that designs systems in minutes instead of days, shipment tracking through the Customer portal, real-time monitoring via Performance Live centers, and rapid expert response when conditions change.
Our video had to capture this end-to-end flow while making each step visually distinct and narratively connected.
Visual Storytelling Approach
We structured the production around a problem-to-solution journey told through two visual languages:
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Opening with the Problem (3D Animation)
Cinematic underground cross-section showing oil flow suddenly stopping—a simple, visual way to establish the production challenge without narration or text.
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Abstract Digital Ecosystem (3D Animation)
Stylized representations of software interfaces, planning tools, tracking dashboards, and VSD curves to bring the digital workflow to life.
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Real People, Real Environments (Live-Action)
On-site filming at SLB's Performance Live center—capturing engineers collaborating, monitoring screens, taking support calls, and making fast decisions.
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Integration & Confidence (Hybrid Blend)
Quick cutting between CG technical visualizations and live footage to show how technology and human expertise work together.
Key Animation Sequences
Underground Flow Visualization: Clean, minimalist 3D cross-section with a teal wellbore cutting through white geological layers. Oil flows, then stops providing an immediate visual problem statement.
Digital Planning Interface: Abstract UI representations showing system design, pump selection, and equipment configuration happening rapidly.
Shipment Tracking Portal: Animated Customer portal screens showing real-time logistics updates and delivery notifications.
Performance Live Center: Multi-screen monitoring stations with real engineers reviewing data, collaborating on solutions, providing remote support.
Visual Design Philosophy
We used a clean, modern aesthetic that mirrors SLB's brand while emphasizing clarity and professionalism. The visual approach evolves throughout the video:
- White/Teal 3D Environment → Clean technical credibility
- Abstract Blue UI Elements → Digital sophistication
- Natural Office Lighting → Human authenticity
- Quick Transitions → Operational speed and agility
- Integrated Pacing → Seamless storytelling flow
The 3D animation maintains a minimalist style with no unnecessary detail and just clear communication. The live-action footage uses natural light and real working environments to build trust and authenticity.
Behind the Animation: Production Insights
One of the most rewarding parts of this project was getting to spend time on-site with SLB's actual Performance Live team. Rather than casting actors or building sets, we filmed the real people who manage these situations every day.
This approach gave the video something you can't fake: genuine expertise and authentic collaboration.
Key production decisions that elevated the final piece
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Hybrid Medium Integration
We designed 3D sequences and live-action segments to complement each other visually while matching color temperatures, pacing, and composition so transitions feel natural rather than jarring.
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Minimal Text, Maximum Clarity
Instead of relying on title cards or bullet points, we used visual metaphors. Oil stopping means problem, people collaborating means solution, systems connecting means integration.
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Real Environments Over Studio Sets
The Performance Live center footage shows actual workstations, real monitoring setups, and genuine team dynamics. This authenticity is impossible to replicate in controlled environments.
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Pacing with Purpose
Quick, confident editing reflects the speed that SLB brings to lift performance management. No lingering shots, no wasted frames. Just focused storytelling.
This disciplined approach ensured every frame served the narrative while maintaining our signature visual quality.
Why It Works
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Two Mediums, One Story
CG and live action are intertwine to tell a complete operational story; from underground geology to above-ground human decision-making.
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Human-Centered Technical Content
Real employees and real environments bring authenticity that makes complex technology feel approachable and trustworthy.
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Visually-Driven Workflow
From software interfaces to shipment tracking to real-time monitoring dashboards, each operational step is shown with clarity and purpose.
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Speed Reflected in Style
Quick editing and confident pacing mirror the rapid response capability that defines SLB's lift performance offering.
Production Impact
This project demonstrates our ability to handle complex multi-medium productions that require both technical precision and human storytelling. By combining 3D animation with live-action production, we delivered a piece that's visually sophisticated while staying grounded in operational reality.
The final video positions SLB as a responsive, technologically advanced partner while showcasing the human expertise that makes the technology work.
Telling Stories That Span Systems and People
Working with SLB's team—both in the planning phase and on-site during filming—gave us the insights needed to tell this story authentically.
We didn't just animate technology. We captured the people behind it.
Related Work
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