Rhinofx Re-creates Mercedes Models for 2008

rhinofx recently integrated CG cars into a re-release of five 2007 Mercedes Benz spots, updating the spots to include 2008 models. The company used a combination of 2D and 3D techniques to replace the live-action footage with CG versions of the cars, while maintaining the integrity and look of the original spots. Commenting on the ramifications, rhinofx's Partner/Managing Director, Rick Wagonheim notes, "We are certainly in an exciting time for VFX. Though the spots were originally shot without any intention of re-use, our ability to combine today's technology with the right creative eye represents a powerful opportunity for our clients. This type of modeling and rendering allows for a tremendous amount of savings in both time and resources, without sacrificing anything in terms of quality and realism."

"To integrate 2008 CG Mercedes models that look, feel, and move realistically, we started with the original live-action that was shot last year, analyzed and incorporated each of the cars' new design features", said rhinofx CD/VFX Supervisor Vico Sharabani. "We took the original CAD data, stripped it down and cleaned up the visual components, and actually brought in and analyzed pieces of the cars in our studio. This type of work is challenging both technically and creatively, as it involves producing precise shapes, textures, and details for each part, as well as the manipulation and integration with the live action backgrounds and movement. Our 2D and 3D teams came together to tackle the final elements. Working in both Flame and Maya, our artists carefully tracked every aspect of the lighting including glares, reflections, bouncing, and shadows into the CG models to produce the realistic feel and motion. The output for one of the spots, Snowmobile, which was done entirely in HD, actually has more CG elements than what was originally shot on film."

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