[Rehaan]

It's no surprise that most car ads rely heavily on computer graphics. It's easier, faster and cheaper than planning a full shoot.

A lot of times, there's a little something to give it away. Perhaps the scene looks too perfect, or maybe its physics. The car just doesn't seem to roll, pitch or move as a 'real' car would.

Enter the Blackbird.



I came across this video of it today (announced just 24 hours back), and it's INSANE!

Give it a watch, it's mind-blowing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnBC5bwV5y0

[Ace F355]

Wow! And I mean WOW!

Enjoyed the film a lot. Thanks for sharing, Rehaan!

[SmartCat]

Isn't this a bit of an overkill? I mean, how big is the market for MAKING of car ads?

I think this will just end up being some kind of technology demonstrator. Lots of manufacturers might be interested in extendable chassis of Blackbird.

[GTO]

For those interested in the production of car ads, adding a link to a lovely thread.

[extreme_torque]

Originally Posted by smartcat

Isn't this a bit of an overkill? I mean, how big is the market for MAKING of car ads?

I think this will just end up being some kind of technology demonstrator. Lots of manufacturers might be interested in extendable chassis of Blackbird.

Car advertising is not the only industry even if it was, its still pretty big. Think of Hollywood CGI where you can basically destory any car you like in a chase. Absolutely brilliant this is.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by smartcat

Isn't this a bit of an overkill? I mean, how big is the market for MAKING of car ads?

When you see the budgets for these ad films you might re-evaluate what overkill is

When it comes to video production, there's a LOT of super-specialized equipment.

The BLACKBIRD is actually on the extremely useful & re-usable side of the spectrum! It can be used for virtually any car ad, and then there's huge potential in Hollywood too!

Here are some other such innovations, ranging from useful & re-usable, to one-time affairs:

Ford's specially designed Focus STs for photographers:


Stunt rig for the James Bond film, Spectre:


PursuitSystems' fleet of Cayennes (Turbos, no less):


...and if the road gets bumpy:


...or narrow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iUO5W7_Uh0

And then... There's SPIKE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlnu8erpHg0

[Rover2000]

Some mind blowing stuff there. Thanks for sharing. One up for Technology driving and giving us the best. Truly awesome!

[Rahulkool]

Apart from cost it will also help car makers avoid the reveal of the car before launch. Many new cars are spotted nowadays before launch while shooting ad films.

[findviru]

This is really cool stuff. It will save lot of money spent on creating Ads. Car makers still require usual setup for the Ads where people are involved. Thanks for sharing Rehaan..

[i74js]

The advertising industry per say stands to gain out of it and not alone the car advertising alone.

In India alone there are about 28-29 car manufacturing companies and every company has a product lineup. China alone has some 20 domestic brands. Globally one can safely assume about 50+ players. Look at the potential.

Now consider filming vintage cars which are not replaceable? very close to the heart of the owner ! this technology is a safe heaven for shooting such things.

Cheers !

[KD007]

Simply Awesome !!! Kudos to the team who thought through and executed.

While suggestions on multi utility is already pouring in there can still be more applications

Even if the industry is small (read niche), such innovations are what breaks boundaries and creates new benchmarks.

Loved it. Thank you for sharing.

[Axe77]

Wow - this looks like simply incredible stuff. Its exciting the number of new things we can keep seeing every day that technology in general makes possible.

[Zed]

Great thread, Thanks for sharing these links. Things are progressing to a point where cars in the flesh may start to dissapoint for not living up to the visual quality of images presented in adverts. Thats amazing and scary at the same time

[coolmel]

It's a huge step forward. Both for production and for the post production people, like me. So many hassles saved! I just hope they continue making Batmobiles in the future. 😉

[Rehaan]

A funny spoof on this :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSrL1J7oors