The brief...
X1 developments commissioned us to create a marketing video to showcase the location of upcoming X1 developments within Trafford Waters, with a clear focus on site positioning, surrounding infrastructure, and access to key transport links. The piece uses 3D tracking animations to map the development in context, helping clearly show scale, orientation, and how the site connects to its surroundings
The aim was to clearly show where each development sits, and how it connects to key retail, transport, and lifestyle locations in the area
The result...
A location-led marketing video that combines aerial footage with motion graphics to clearly present X1 Trafford Waters. The opening uses a wide Google Earth view to place the development within the wider area, before transitioning into drone footage of the site itself. Each plot is introduced with tracked overlays and clean animation, followed by supporting footage of nearby landmarks including the Trafford Centre, tram links, and local amenities. The final section uses a simplified 2D map with animated markers giving a clear overview of accessibility and location benefits
Behind the lens...
The video opens with a Google Earth sequence to establish scale, followed by a custom After Effects scene to introduce the development zone
We then transition into aerial footage, using tracking in After Effects to map and animate each plot directly onto the landscape:
- X1 Trafford Waters - 208 apartments
- Montpellier - 85 later living dwellings
- Trafford Housing Trust - 83 affordable homes
This approach keeps the information clear without losing visual quality
We then captured surrounding landmarks using 24mm aerial shots, including key locations such as the Trafford Centre and Trafford Park tram stop, along with nearby retail and leisure spots. All flights were coordinated with ATC, with clearance obtained from Barton Aerodrome for the project
