• Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

  • X-Men Nostalgia

  • Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

  • Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

  • X-Men Nostalgia

  • Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

  • Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

  • X-Men Nostalgia

  • Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

  • Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

  • X-Men Nostalgia

  • Marvel

  • 2K Games

  • 2 Million Views

  • Sun Creature

Salem Sisters

Where Light Fades, Darkness Rises.

Where Light Fades, Darkness Rises.

The opportunity to craft a dark chapter for the Marvel Universe has been an honour and adventure. Working with Sun Creature Studio and 2K Games, we brought to life a six-minute short that unveils the tragic origins of one of Marvel's most complex villains. 

The premiere at Disney's D23 Expo and worldwide launch marked the beginning of an epic series that would set the stage for the Midnight Suns saga. 

The opportunity to craft a dark chapter for the Marvel Universe has been an honour and adventure. Working with Sun Creature Studio and 2K Games, we brought to life a six-minute short that unveils the tragic origins of one of Marvel's most complex villains. 

The premiere at Disney's D23 Expo and worldwide launch marked the beginning of an epic series that would set the stage for the Midnight Suns saga. 

The opportunity to craft a dark chapter for the Marvel Universe has been an honour and adventure. Working with Sun Creature Studio and 2K Games, we brought to life a six-minute short that unveils the tragic origins of one of Marvel's most complex villains. 

The premiere at Disney's D23 Expo and worldwide launch marked the beginning of an epic series that would set the stage for the Midnight Suns saga. 

The opportunity to craft a dark chapter for the Marvel Universe has been an honour and adventure. Working with Sun Creature Studio and 2K Games, we brought to life a six-minute short that unveils the tragic origins of one of Marvel's most complex villains. 

The premiere at Disney's D23 Expo and worldwide launch marked the beginning of an epic series that would set the stage for the Midnight Suns saga. 

A female character unleashes a massive energy magic power attack, creating a visually striking and dynamic moment.
A female character unleashes a massive energy magic power attack, creating a visually striking and dynamic moment.
A female character unleashes a massive energy magic power attack, creating a visually striking and dynamic moment.
A female character unleashes a massive energy magic power attack, creating a visually striking and dynamic moment.
A female character unleashes a massive energy magic power attack, creating a visually striking and dynamic moment.

Credits

My Roles

Director

Full Credits available on desktop

Full Credits

Full Credits

Full Credits

Full Credits

Credits

My Roles

Director

Full Credits available on desktop

Full Credits

Shadows Of The Past

shadows
of the past

We meet Lilith in 1600s Salem and follow as she begins her descent from protective sister to Mother of Demons.  

Her desperate attempt to save her plague-stricken child reveals how great loss can drive even the purest heart towards darkness.  

Each frame presented an opportunity to weave historical drama with Marvel's rich supernatural lore to create a complex narrative worthy of Lilith. 

We meet Lilith in 1600s Salem and follow as she begins her descent from protective sister to Mother of Demons.  

Her desperate attempt to save her plague-stricken child reveals how great loss can drive even the purest heart towards darkness.  

Each frame presented an opportunity to weave historical drama with Marvel's rich supernatural lore to create a complex narrative worthy of Lilith. 

Darkness Takes Form

The masterful animation team at Sun Creature crafted each scene with a distinctive dark beauty that captures the mood of this piece. Their team developed a visual language that shifts seamlessly between historical drama and dark fantasy, infusing each frame with raw emotion and supernatural energy.  

Every element of every frame was designed to amplify the devastating weight of Lilith's tragic transformation. 

  • Lilith kneels, holding her baby beside her husband’s open grave, evoking sorrow and loss in a dark and emotional moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Reverend Lewis reads from a dark magic book as green energy spills out, creating a powerful and mysterious visual in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith approaches a massive dark gothic cathedral illuminated with red lighting, capturing an ominous and cinematic moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • A super energetic close-up of Lilith’s eye as the camera dramatically flies toward it, showcasing intense focus and dark energy in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith kneels, holding her baby beside her husband’s open grave, evoking sorrow and loss in a dark and emotional moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Reverend Lewis reads from a dark magic book as green energy spills out, creating a powerful and mysterious visual in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith approaches a massive dark gothic cathedral illuminated with red lighting, capturing an ominous and cinematic moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • A super energetic close-up of Lilith’s eye as the camera dramatically flies toward it, showcasing intense focus and dark energy in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith kneels, holding her baby beside her husband’s open grave, evoking sorrow and loss in a dark and emotional moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Reverend Lewis reads from a dark magic book as green energy spills out, creating a powerful and mysterious visual in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith approaches a massive dark gothic cathedral illuminated with red lighting, capturing an ominous and cinematic moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • A super energetic close-up of Lilith’s eye as the camera dramatically flies toward it, showcasing intense focus and dark energy in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith kneels, holding her baby beside her husband’s open grave, evoking sorrow and loss in a dark and emotional moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Reverend Lewis reads from a dark magic book as green energy spills out, creating a powerful and mysterious visual in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith approaches a massive dark gothic cathedral illuminated with red lighting, capturing an ominous and cinematic moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • A super energetic close-up of Lilith’s eye as the camera dramatically flies toward it, showcasing intense focus and dark energy in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith kneels, holding her baby beside her husband’s open grave, evoking sorrow and loss in a dark and emotional moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Reverend Lewis reads from a dark magic book as green energy spills out, creating a powerful and mysterious visual in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • Lilith approaches a massive dark gothic cathedral illuminated with red lighting, capturing an ominous and cinematic moment from Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
  • A super energetic close-up of Lilith’s eye as the camera dramatically flies toward it, showcasing intense focus and dark energy in Marvel’s Salem Sisters.
The Dark Arts
UNLEASHING CHAOS

Sun Creature's phenomenal art direction warped past and present into a gothic nightmare.  

The imposing cathedrals of colonial Salem give way to dark urban backstreets. Everything, from these haunting backdrops to the snarling hellhounds that leave behind a trail of supernatural fire, showcases exceptional talent. 

Character artistry shines throughout to capture Lilith's transformation and bring iconic heroes like Blade and Ghost Rider to life in stunning action sequences. 

Sun Creature's phenomenal art direction warped past and present into a gothic nightmare.  

The imposing cathedrals of colonial Salem give way to dark urban backstreets. Everything, from these haunting backdrops to the snarling hellhounds that leave behind a trail of supernatural fire, showcases exceptional talent. 

Character artistry shines throughout to capture Lilith's transformation and bring iconic heroes like Blade and Ghost Rider to life in stunning action sequences. 

Sun Creature's phenomenal art direction warped past and present into a gothic nightmare.  

The imposing cathedrals of colonial Salem give way to dark urban backstreets. Everything, from these haunting backdrops to the snarling hellhounds that leave behind a trail of supernatural fire, showcases exceptional talent. 

Character artistry shines throughout to capture Lilith's transformation and bring iconic heroes like Blade and Ghost Rider to life in stunning action sequences. 

  • Character design for the Shadowhound from the film, inspired by the game, with menacing green smoke emitting from its eyes and gill-like features.
  • Designs for the Witchcraft Rat and Dummy, used as creepy and mystical props in the film, adding an eerie and fantastical element.
  • Character designs for three street kids who appear in the film, showcasing their distinctive personalities and street-smart aesthetics.
  • Character designs for the baby in two states: one healthy and vibrant, the other unwell and pale, reflecting an emotional narrative contrast.
  • Character design for a massive demon called Guardian, featuring arms that transform into spikes, huge horns, and green power glowing from its core
  • Character design for the Shadowhound from the film, inspired by the game, with menacing green smoke emitting from its eyes and gill-like features.
  • Designs for the Witchcraft Rat and Dummy, used as creepy and mystical props in the film, adding an eerie and fantastical element.
  • Character designs for three street kids who appear in the film, showcasing their distinctive personalities and street-smart aesthetics.
  • Character designs for the baby in two states: one healthy and vibrant, the other unwell and pale, reflecting an emotional narrative contrast.
  • Character design for a massive demon called Guardian, featuring arms that transform into spikes, huge horns, and green power glowing from its core
  • Character design for the Shadowhound from the film, inspired by the game, with menacing green smoke emitting from its eyes and gill-like features.
  • Designs for the Witchcraft Rat and Dummy, used as creepy and mystical props in the film, adding an eerie and fantastical element.
  • Character designs for three street kids who appear in the film, showcasing their distinctive personalities and street-smart aesthetics.
  • Character designs for the baby in two states: one healthy and vibrant, the other unwell and pale, reflecting an emotional narrative contrast.
  • Character design for a massive demon called Guardian, featuring arms that transform into spikes, huge horns, and green power glowing from its core
  • Character design for the Shadowhound from the film, inspired by the game, with menacing green smoke emitting from its eyes and gill-like features.
  • Designs for the Witchcraft Rat and Dummy, used as creepy and mystical props in the film, adding an eerie and fantastical element.
  • Character designs for three street kids who appear in the film, showcasing their distinctive personalities and street-smart aesthetics.
  • Character designs for the baby in two states: one healthy and vibrant, the other unwell and pale, reflecting an emotional narrative contrast.
  • Character design for a massive demon called Guardian, featuring arms that transform into spikes, huge horns, and green power glowing from its core
  • Character design for the Shadowhound from the film, inspired by the game, with menacing green smoke emitting from its eyes and gill-like features.
  • Designs for the Witchcraft Rat and Dummy, used as creepy and mystical props in the film, adding an eerie and fantastical element.
  • Character designs for three street kids who appear in the film, showcasing their distinctive personalities and street-smart aesthetics.
  • Character designs for the baby in two states: one healthy and vibrant, the other unwell and pale, reflecting an emotional narrative contrast.
  • Character design for a massive demon called Guardian, featuring arms that transform into spikes, huge horns, and green power glowing from its core
Behind-the-scenes creation artwork from Marvel’s Midnight Suns, featuring satanic symbols and mystical themes in development.
Behind-the-scenes creation artwork from Marvel’s Midnight Suns, featuring satanic symbols and mystical themes in development.
Behind-the-scenes creation artwork from Marvel’s Midnight Suns, featuring satanic symbols and mystical themes in development.
A work-in-progress concept of an underground car park from Marvel’s Midnight Suns, capturing a gritty and atmospheric setting.
A work-in-progress concept of an underground car park from Marvel’s Midnight Suns, capturing a gritty and atmospheric setting.
Behind-the-scenes concept art of a street from Marvel’s Midnight Suns, showcasing the creative process behind the game’s atmospheric visuals.
Behind-the-scenes concept art of a street from Marvel’s Midnight Suns, showcasing the creative process behind the game’s atmospheric visuals.
Heroes Answer The Call

Beyond telling Lilith's origin story, this film laid the foundation for something greater - a series that would bring together heroes like Blade, Magik, Ghost Rider, and Nico Minoru to form the Midnight Suns.  

Through themes of death, redemption, and dark magic, we crafted a tale that resonates with both long-time Marvel fans and newcomers alike. 

Copyright © Richard Payne

The Richard Payne logo featuring an animated red signature overlay, showcasing a dynamic and professional design.

Copyright © Richard Payne

The Richard Payne logo featuring an animated red signature overlay, showcasing a dynamic and professional design.

Copyright © Richard Payne

The Richard Payne logo featuring an animated red signature overlay, showcasing a dynamic and professional design.

Copyright © Richard Payne

The Richard Payne logo featuring an animated red signature overlay, showcasing a dynamic and professional design.

Copyright © Richard Payne

The Richard Payne logo featuring an animated red signature overlay, showcasing a dynamic and professional design.