Oliver Latta: From Bauhaus to Emmy success
Oliver Latta, a visionary artist and director based in Berlin, Germany, has carved a remarkable path from the esteemed halls of the Bauhaus University in Dessau to the pinnacle of television achievement with his Emmy Award-winning work. His journey is a testament to the power of creative vision and the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. With a degree in Design from Bauhaus, a place synonymous with groundbreaking artistic and architectural principles, Latta developed a foundational understanding of form, function, and aesthetic impact. This rigorous training provided him with the tools to not only conceptualize but also execute visually stunning projects that resonate deeply with audiences. His early career, honed at a leading German VFX and design studio, equipped him with invaluable practical experience, refining his technical skills and broadening his creative horizons before he ultimately founded Extraweg, the studio that would become synonymous with his unique approach to visual storytelling.
The discovery by Ben Stiller on Instagram
A pivotal moment in Oliver Latta’s career, and indeed in the history of “Severance,” was his serendipitous discovery by acclaimed actor and director Ben Stiller on Instagram. It was through his prolific presence on the platform, showcasing his distinctive 3D animation and design work under the handle ‘extraweg,’ that Stiller first encountered Latta’s talent. This organic discovery highlights the evolving landscape of creative industries, where digital platforms can serve as powerful launchpads for artists. Impressed by the unique visual language and compelling aesthetic of Latta’s posts, Stiller reached out, initiating a collaboration that would lead to one of television’s most celebrated title sequences. This Instagram connection underscores the impact of consistent, high-quality online portfolios and the potential for unexpected opportunities to emerge from the digital realm.
Masterpiece “Severance”: Title design that made history
The title design for the Apple TV+ series “Severance” stands as a monumental achievement in Oliver Latta’s career, solidifying his reputation as a master of visual storytelling. This groundbreaking work not only captivated audiences but also made history by earning Latta two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Main Title Design, a feat unprecedented for a television series. He received these prestigious accolades in 2022 and again in 2025, a testament to the enduring impact and exceptional quality of his contribution. The “Severance” title sequence is more than just an introduction; it’s an immersive experience that perfectly encapsulates the show’s themes of corporate alienation, fractured identity, and psychological tension. Through his signature blend of abstract forms, meticulous animation, and evocative atmosphere, Latta managed to translate the show’s complex narrative into a visually arresting opening that has become as iconic as the series itself. This project cemented his status within the Television Academy and highlighted the profound influence that thoughtful, artistic title design can have on a show’s overall reception and legacy.
Extraweg: Making the invisible visible
Extraweg, the creative studio founded by Oliver Latta, operates under a profound philosophy: to make the invisible visible. This guiding principle is at the heart of all his work, driving him to explore and represent abstract concepts, emotions, and hidden tensions in a tangible, visual form. Latta’s approach transcends mere aesthetics; it delves into the realm of conceptual design, using 3D animation and motion graphics to bring to life the unspoken narratives and underlying psychological landscapes of his projects. The studio’s name itself suggests a journey beyond the obvious, an exploration of the hidden pathways of thought and feeling. This dedication to revealing what lies beneath the surface has allowed Latta and Extraweg to create work that is not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful and thought-provoking, resonating with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level.
The philosophy behind Oliver Latta’s work
The core philosophy driving Oliver Latta’s artistic endeavors is a relentless pursuit of revealing the unseen. He believes that true impact lies in visualizing abstract concepts, emotions, and psychological states that often remain unspoken or unarticulated. His work, particularly under the Extraweg banner, is a testament to this belief, consistently aiming to translate complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. Whether it’s the unsettling duality explored in “Severance” or the emotional resonance found in his brand collaborations, Latta’s approach is always to dig deeper, to find the essence of a story or a feeling and express it through meticulous 3D animation and design. This dedication to making the invisible tangible is what sets his work apart, transforming abstract notions into experiences that audiences can feel and understand.
Collaboration with global brands and artists
Oliver Latta’s exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed by the world’s leading brands and celebrated artists, leading to a diverse and impressive portfolio of collaborations. His ability to translate a brand’s identity or an artist’s vision into captivating visual experiences has made him a sought-after creative partner. He has lent his distinctive style to iconic entities such as The Beatles, reimagining their legacy through innovative visuals, and collaborated with musical powerhouses like Gorillaz and Mick Jagger, bringing their artistic worlds to life. Furthermore, his work with contemporary music stars like Travis Scott showcases his relevance in the modern cultural landscape. Beyond the music industry, Latta has partnered with prestigious fashion houses like Valentino, as seen in his work for “Valentino Garavani,” and collaborated with global giants like Apple and Adidas, demonstrating the versatility and broad appeal of his creative output. These partnerships are a testament to his skill in crafting visuals that are both artistically profound and commercially impactful.
Oliver Latta’s work: Emotions and tensions in 3D
Oliver Latta masterfully employs 3D animation as his primary medium to delve into and articulate the spectrum of human emotions and the subtle currents of tension that define many narratives. His work is characterized by a profound understanding of how form, light, and movement can evoke specific feelings and psychological states in the viewer. In projects like the Emmy-winning title sequence for “Severance,” Latta uses abstract shapes and dynamic motion to visually represent the show’s exploration of fractured identities and corporate unease. He doesn’t just create pretty pictures; he crafts visual experiences that resonate on a primal level, allowing audiences to feel the underlying emotions and tensions that drive the story. This ability to imbue digital creations with such palpable emotional weight is a hallmark of his artistic genius.
Animation as a means of visualization
For Oliver Latta, animation is far more than just creating movement; it is a powerful tool for visualization, a language through which he can articulate complex ideas and emotions that might otherwise remain abstract. He leverages the dynamic nature of animation to explore concepts like transformation, connection, and disruption, making them tangible for the audience. In his title designs and commercial work, Latta uses animated elements to guide the viewer’s eye, build atmosphere, and convey narrative cues. This is particularly evident in his work for “Severance,” where the precise, almost surgical movements of abstract forms mirror the show’s themes of control and precision within a sterile corporate environment. By skillfully manipulating motion and form, Latta transforms abstract concepts into visually compelling experiences that deepen audience engagement and understanding.
Technical expertise: Adobe tools and more
Oliver Latta’s artistic prowess is underpinned by a robust technical skillset, with a particular proficiency in industry-standard Adobe tools. He masterfully utilizes Photoshop for conceptualization and asset creation, After Effects for sophisticated motion graphics and compositing, and Substance 3D Painter for detailed texturing and material definition in his 3D work. This technical command allows him to translate his creative vision into reality with remarkable detail and polish. Beyond the Adobe suite, Latta’s expertise extends to other advanced 3D software and rendering engines, enabling him to achieve the complex visual effects and photorealistic or stylistically distinct looks that define his signature aesthetic. His technical acumen is not merely about using software; it’s about understanding how to wield these tools to best serve the narrative and emotional goals of each project, from intricate character animations to expansive environmental designs.
Projects by Oliver Latta: A selection
Oliver Latta’s impressive body of work showcases his versatility and consistent delivery of high-impact visual content. His contributions span across television, advertising, and artistic collaborations, consistently demonstrating a unique blend of conceptual depth and technical execution. The following selection highlights some of his most notable projects, underscoring his ability to captivate audiences with his distinctive aesthetic and storytelling prowess.
“Severance” (Season 1 & 2) & “Valentino Garavani”
The Emmy Award-winning title sequences for “Severance” (Season 1 & 2) are arguably Oliver Latta’s most celebrated works, solidifying his status as a premier title designer in the industry. His work on the initial season earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design in 2022, and he repeated this success for Season 2, winning another Emmy in 2025. These sequences are lauded for their ability to perfectly encapsulate the show’s eerie, corporate-dystopian atmosphere through abstract, minimalist 3D animation that evokes themes of identity and control. Complementing this television triumph is his visually stunning work for “Valentino Garavani,” specifically his contribution to the “Candy Stud Factory” project. This collaboration showcases his ability to infuse high fashion with a playful yet sophisticated artistic sensibility, demonstrating his adaptability across different creative domains.
Other works: MTV, Adidas and more
Beyond his landmark work on “Severance” and his contributions to luxury brands, Oliver Latta has a diverse portfolio that includes impactful projects for major media and sports entities. His creative input can be seen in the “MTV Artist Ident” series, where he brought a distinct visual flair to the iconic music television brand. Furthermore, his collaboration with Adidas for the “ADIDAS ZX 2K BOOST” campaign demonstrates his ability to translate athletic energy and product innovation into dynamic and engaging visual narratives. These projects, alongside others such as “MSI Global,” highlight Latta’s consistent ability to deliver compelling motion graphics and 3D animation for a wide array of clients, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and sought-after artist and director in the global creative landscape.
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