In this commercial for No7 make up, Olympic fencer Monika Aksamit demonstrates a spectacular show of power and precision to defeat her fencing opponent. As the battle unfolds on the cliff, we see footage of Monika physically and mentally preparing for the duel - like she does before every match - by practising her moves and applying her make up, even though she knows her face will never be seen under her fencing gear. The ad ends in dramatic style with Monika defeating her opponent and then walking away with her back turned to us. We never actually see her face, and we’re left only with an impressive display of what comes from being ready on the inside.

Most of the film was shot in-camera; our challenge was to simulate the phyisics of make-up and stay true to how it looks in real life - how it applies, how it moves. We’re talking about creating CG products on a scale that we have limited existing references for; for example in order to get the smear of foundation across the screen looking right, we spread the real product across a clear perspex sheet and took close-up stills. It’s then a case of constantly reviewing your work with the director to perfect the finish.”

Fencing shots filmed at dizzying heights seamlessly cut to vivid close-ups of the make-up – lipstick, foundation, and eyeliner – being applied like war paint. Liquids and powders crafted in VFX blend seamlessly with real, on-set explosions for a dramatic and beautiful film.