Case Studies
Ford F-150 (Click 3X)
A cobblestone street and some liquid chrome; that was all that New York-based digital studio Click 3X needed to put together a stunning 30 second spot for Ford F150 Trucks. That, and RealFlow.
We spoke to Anthony Filipakis, head of CGI at Click 3X...
Next Limit: So, lets see. What was RealFlow used on exactly?
Anthony Filipakis: “RealFlow was used on all liquid metal shots you see in the spot. We started with the chrome material in its liquid form, allowing it to reshape and reinvent the truck’s stylish chrome features and new look.”
NL: Why did Click 3X decide on using RealFlow?
AF: “RealFlow was the most appropriate package because it had the most innovative and realistic liquid simulation tools. We also used Maya, After Effects and Flame on various aspects of the spot.”
NL: What was the most challenging part of the project and how did you overcome that challenge?
AF: “The most challenging aspect was making the liquids act in a way that liquids would not normally behave in the real world. Each shot had its own challenge and was solved in a unique way using RealFlow, Maya, and Flame to achieve the desired look and motion. Using RealFlow, we were able to more efficiently move the liquid chrome through the streets, suspend it in the air, and solidify the metal to create the new F150’s chrome features. After some time it became obvious that the kind of innovative simulations we were creating demanded one-of-a-kind solutions. Our senior RealFlow artist Marcelo Cermak produced customized effects using RealFlow’s scripting feature. In addition, combining RealFlow with some innovative lighting techniques, we were also able to light the metal in a photo-real manner using HDRI images.
NL: What part of the project did you enjoy most doing?
AF: “Finding interesting new ways of forming the various parts of the F150 as well as integrating it into its environment.”
NL: What kind of time schedule were you on for the creation of this ad?
AF: “Like most commercial productions, the deadline was tight, but we had the time we needed for R&D as well as execution.”
  
NL: For how long have you been using RealFlow? Was it difficult to learn how to use the software?
AF: “Our team has had RealFlow experience on and off for a few years now, but for this project we decided to bring in senior RealFlow artist Marcelo Cermak for the duration of the project to help speed up the R&D process.
NL: How easy/ difficult was it to integrate RealFlow in your workflow?
AF: “It was easy. We set up a pipeline and divided the shots among our team.”
NL: How do you think RealFlow could be improved or what would you like to see implemented into the program?
AF: “As with any software, it could always be faster. A better integration with Maya’s interface would also be great.
About Click 3X:
New York-based Click 3X produces cutting-edge visual solutions for commercials, feature films, television, music videos and broadcast clients around the globe. Founded in 1993, Click 3X has become the preeminent digital studio led by artists, yet supported by one of the most technologically advanced studios in the industry. With award-winning design, powerful visual effects, and a visionary animation team, Click 3X has worked on such diverse projects as Jonathan Demme’s unconventional feature documentary on Jimmy Carter entitled, Man From Plains and Animal Collective’s Peacebone video directed by Tim Saccenti.
Copyright:
Click 3X - www.click3x.com
Studio credits are as follows:
Director/ Creative Director: Peter Corbett
Illustrator: Gabriel Tick
Editor: Tom Mathieu
Head of CGI: Anthony Filipakis
Senior RealFlow Artist: Marcelo Cermak, www.marcelocermak.com
CGI Animators: Susan Taffe, Kristen Pederson, Tom Hurlburt
CGI Modeler: Jongmoon Woo
CGI Lighter/ Texturer: Sung Kim
VFX/ Flame Artist: John Budion
Executive Producer: Jason Mayo
Producer: Jared Yeater
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