Abstract Suite Spot is a high-end video production company. They work with ESPN and a host of other big-time media companies. Thier website is what I call a 'Hybrid' because it's equal parts content management and animation; two things that generally don't go together in web development.

Client request A site that combines the flexibility of a content management system and the visual appeal of flash animation.

What I did Information architecture, graphic design, copywriting, template code (PHP, XML), Layout (CSS)

Directives

1. Design a template that looks futuristic and compliments animation
2. Customize the content management system and build an interactive client log-in system

Solutions

The client wanted an industrial look so I created a metallic site frame and a brushed metal background. The site has a 3D feel to it because the drop shadow on the frame makes it look like the site is floating above the background. I incorporated animated gifs into the CSS to create the glowing effect on the client log-in button and the rolling effect on the main menu. The final touch was the video player. With a bit of finagling it went from open source to fully customized. The playlist of scrolling thumbnails... I know, nice touch.

Making the site look sweet — pun intended — was only half the battle. The client's previous site was all HTML. They wanted a content management system so they could blog on the reg and update the video player when new projects were completed. I did that in my sleep while dreaming about the Jets making the AFC championship game... The bigger deal was the browser-based client log-in system. They needed to give clients the ability to upload/download art assets to their server and view video clips of work in production. Take a little FTP, mix in some PHP, sprinkle in some user-name/password protection and ka-boom: secure client upload/download video interface accessible through any web browser. Strong like ox. Sexy like PJ Harvey.

Visit SuiteSpotNYC.com