• 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. 

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

Client

2K Games,

Marvel

Studio

Sun Creature

Recognition

Motionographer,

Stash Media

IMDb

The Salem Sisters

Full Credits available on desktop

Motionographer,

Full Credits

Credits

My Roles

Director

Client

2K Games,

Marvel

Studio

Sun Creature

Recognition

Motionographer,

Stash Media

IMDb

The Salem Sisters

Full Credits available on desktop

Motionographer,

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 animation team at Sun Creature crafted each scene with a dark beauty that holds the mood. They built a visual language that shifts between historical drama and dark fantasy, giving every frame raw emotion and supernatural charge. Each one was designed to amplify the weight of Lilith's 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.
The Dark Arts
UNLEASHING CHAOS

Sun Creature's art direction warped past and present into a gothic nightmare - the imposing cathedrals of colonial Salem giving way to dark urban backstreets, snarling hellhounds trailing supernatural fire. The character work carries Lilith's transformation and brings heroes like Blade and Ghost Rider to life in full action.

Sun Creature's art direction warped past and present into a gothic nightmare - the imposing cathedrals of colonial Salem giving way to dark urban backstreets, snarling hellhounds trailing supernatural fire. The character work carries Lilith's transformation and brings heroes like Blade and Ghost Rider to life in full action.

  • 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.
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.
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. Death, redemption, dark magic - an origin built to pull in die-hards and first-timers both.

Connect

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Instagram

Behance

IMDb

Get in touch

info@richard-payne.com

Copyright © Richard Payne

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

Connect

Linkedin

Instagram

Behance

IMDb

Get in touch

info@richard-payne.com

Copyright © Richard Payne

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

Connect

Linkedin

Instagram

Behance

IMDb

Get in touch

info@richard-payne.com

Copyright © Richard Payne

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

Get in touch

info@richard-payne.com

Connect

Linkedin

Instagram

Behance

IMDb

Copyright © Richard Payne

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