Join Tokyo-based director/CG artist Yves Dalbiez as he takes us deep into the making-of this experimental spec ad that he says “delves into the essence of human performance, merging live action with AI-crafted animation.”

Yves Dalbiez: “This ad aims to capture the raw intensity and beauty of athletes’ performances, challenging the conventions of traditional filmmaking and animation. Created as a tribute to the potential of AI in elevating visual storytelling in advertising, it pioneers a new realm where technology empowers sport.

“The making-of [film below] unveils the creative and technical journey behind the project, from the initial concept inspired by the fusion of live action footage and AI, to the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way.
 

“The ultimate aim was to assess the practicality of using AI tools in a professional setting, ensuring they enhance the creative process for authentic brand storytelling.”

 
“I share insights into the experimental process, the problems faced, and the techniques I utilized: from Image 2 Image in Stable Diffusion, to Runway’s AI and Davinci Fusion’s rotoscoping tools, as well as manual animation of cast shadows and character deformations. This film emphasizes the significance of blending diverse techniques, whether AI or traditional, to achieve the desired outcome.

“Drawing from my CGI background and its impact on my prior works, I was keen to explore how AI could be smoothly incorporated into my pipeline. The ultimate aim was to assess the practicality of using AI tools in a professional setting, ensuring they enhance the creative process for authentic brand storytelling.”

Watch the making-of film:
 

 
 

 
Production: Goldcurtain
Director: Yves Dalbiez
Cinematographer: Yves Dalbiez, Nicci Keller
Copywriter: Michael Glenn
Art Director/AI animator: Yves Dalbiez
Production Support: Juice Tokyo

Music: Ki. and Ryu, Rap by Jua
Music direction/production: Black Cat White Cat Music
Sound Design: Nicolas Amblard

Dancer: Hiroko Hizumi
Skateboarder: Oba Takuma
Breakdance: Julien Jolivet

Special Thanks: Michal Dwojak-Hara, Nicolas Leon Flores, Alex Osmoze, Valy, Mr Boofyy, Rémy Busson, Raf