Press Release from Lexus
Lexus pulls off a mighty stunt with the spot "Chain" for their new 2011 models, directed by Iain MacKenzie of Paydirt for Team One. Model Year 2011 are hung from each other in a "chain" over the LFA in order to demonstrate Lexus' confidence in the structural integrity of their cars.
Iain approached MPC at an early stage prior to shooting to discuss the look and feel of the Lexus "Chain" film. He wanted the fiilm to look clean and simple but with a strong graphic feel to juxtapose the yellow color of the LFS and the crane with the weight of the silver LFA hanging in the sky. Subsequently, MPC created some look frames of their vision for the benefit of the client.
Fortunately, the weather on the shoot favored their designs; the skies were full of deep texture which looked very dramatic behind the cars.
Back in post, Group Creative Director Jason Stinsmuehlen was particular about the look of the film being very natural and believable, without compromising the beauty of the cars. The actual event of the crane lifting the cars above the LFS did happen practically, so the grade and treatment had to be unquestioningly real.
Using the Flame's brilliant color correction tools, MPC spent much time balancing the grade to look believable, opting to avoid the classic car-magazine look, while retaining the global beauty of the Lexus.
Vehicle beauty cleanup and adjusted background and skies were comped in Nuke and Flame, as well as saving the LFA from rolling away in the last shot when the actor forgot to put the handbrake on before exiting the sports car. Visual effects save the day!