In the wake of the release of the Barbie movie, various locations worldwide have been receiving pink makeovers, and the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is no exception.
The Viral Video:
A 12-second clip has taken the internet by storm, featuring a gigantic Barbie doll standing next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The larger-than-life doll is seen wearing a striped romper, sporting the look that directly references her 1959 debut. With her blonde locks in a ponytail, Barbie stands inside her own hot pink box and dramatically breaks through the plastic cover, stepping out onto the city street.
The Creative Process:
The CGI clip was created by boutique creative agency Eye Studio (@eyestudioae), and involved approximately three days of work. The agency used footage of the Burj Khalifa shot from an iPhone, and then skillfully superimposed the 3D Barbie into the video.
Concept and Homage:
Juhi Rupani, Eye Studio’s Creative Director, stated that the agency always focuses on trending topics on social media. Considering Barbie’s current popularity, they decided to combine the iconic doll with Dubai’s most famous landmark. The 3D Generalist, Neal Santos, and Junior Art Director, Taha Dungerwala, played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life. They wanted to pay homage to Barbie’s inception in 1959, staying true to her original appearance.
The Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, has become a massive success, making $356 million worldwide during its opening weekend. It stands as the biggest debut ever for a film directed by a woman.
