Verbolten 3D Animatic
Full CG Animation Teaser
The Challenge
To produce a dark, cinematic teaser animation for the popular Verbolten ride at Busch Gardens VA, translating supplied storyboards into a compelling short-form narrative.
The challenge was to build a believable haunted forest environment, establish tension through lighting and motion, and deliver a clear story progression that brings the theme of the ride to life.
Our Approach
Working directly from storyboards provided by United Parks, we developed a full 3D environment and animation pipeline for the teaser. The forest was constructed as a dense, layered environment with animated trees and foliage designed to feel reactive and alive as the car travels deeper into the scene.
The sequence was animated in Blender 4.4, with environment motion, vehicle animation, and timing carefully choreographed to support the narrative beats. Character animation was enhanced using Unreal Engine facial motion capture, ensuring believable performances in the opening shots. Lighting was used as a storytelling device, including a timed lightning reveal to introduce the Verbolten sign, before the environment closes in around the car.
Gecko created a 20 second 3D Animation Teaser Trailer for a Busch Gardens Williamsburg roller coaster, with full custom sound design and music.
People & Skills
Music and Sound Design by Alistair Lax
3D Modelling by Jon Hickley & James Broadley
3D Animation by Jon Hickley
3D Character Animation by Jonathan Lax
Directed by Jonathan Lax
Product Manager Chloë Lovern
Client - United Parks
Character Animation
Animatic Development
3D Modelling, Asset Creation
Lighting and Material Development
Procedural Environment Design
Seamless Visual Effects
Compositing
Sound Design and Original Music Composition