Client / Kia Motors
Timeline / 4 Weeks
Format / Web Campaign
Team / Carlo Alleva, Mattia Merenda, Lenny Bartholomäus
CGI / Automotive / Environment / Cinematic
(Process)
High-end automotive campaigns usually require massive teams and months of production. We delivered agency-grade visuals for KIA with just three artists in 30 days. This project wasn't just a campaign; it was a stress test for a Blender-centric pipeline, proving that technical ingenuity can outperform the traditional, high-budget studio model.
(Process)
Manufacturer CAD files are a nightmare for animation, they include every screw and nut from the production line. To stay agile, we built a custom Python bridge between Blender and Houdini. This allowed us to programmatically "blast" unnecessary geometry while preserving the naming hierarchy, turning a heavy engineering file into a high-performance creative asset without losing the car's silhouette.
(Processing )
Speed is the natural result of a solid foundation. We used low-poly proxies to nail the blockout and camera timing instantly. By utilizing a specialized rig to dial in drifting physics, we created a stable base that allowed environment dressing and FX work to happen at the same time, significantly compressing our timeline.
(Process)
To maintain premium visuals without sacrificing render speed, we simulated desert dust, mud, and debris in Houdini. By migrating the scatters and primary attributes into geometry nodes setups for final shading in Blender, we gained real-time control within Cycles. This workflow allowed us to fine-tune the simulations on the fly, ensuring the car always remained the 'hero' without the need for traditional, time-consuming re-simulations.
(Process)
We built four distinct environments: desert, forest, mountain, and cityscape. Using procedural workflows. Instead of manual placement, we used Geometry Nodes to iterate on dune shapes and forest density, and satellite data to outline the city. This flexibility meant we could adjust compositions based on client feedback in hours rather than days.
(Process)
To hit the 4-week deadline, we leveraged a high-performance render farm and a streamlined Nuke workflow. By focusing on atmospheric refinement and precise light direction, we ensured the final output felt cinematic and cohesive, right down to the final sound design.
