FORMULA E
Working between live projects, our team found time to produce these interesting and moody assets using the GEN3 Formula E car. As a proof of concept, this work showcases the quality of Unreal Engine and its ability to create moody, emotive images. The ability to refine lighting with real-time visualisation feedback, without worrying about real-world constraints (such as losing ambient dusk lighting), allowed the creative team to develop the concept in a workflow that was more rapid than traditional CGI or photography.
GOAL
We wanted to set the car in motion around the track, and rather than focus too much on the animation, we aimed to capture moments as the car raced repeatedly around the circuit. Working like a director, we could repeat the car's action over and over, refining camera placement as we went. We also looked for spontaneous moments through the lens rather than trying to stage every second of the footage.
The Process
As mentioned, the car was animated on a loop around the track. We could scrub through the timeline to find interesting areas, and once there, place cameras around the track or parent them to the car. By using Unreal Engine, we were able to get a real-time view of everything that was happening, much like filming on location. We could then take the rough footage straight into the edit to build up the story. This allowed us to see what was missing from the edit and create new shots.
For the stills, we found a good angle on the car, parented the camera to it, and played the animation through until we found a location we liked. From there, we could further art-direct the shot by adjusting the lighting if needed.
Results
The end result was a stunning, action-packed short film that showcased a racecar thrashing around the track. We also produced some striking stills that captured the intensity of the action. The whole process was a pleasure to work on, as it allowed for constant iteration and collaboration between artists, creative directors, and producers.
