FORD EXPLORER VIRTUAL TEST DRIVE
'Flipping the traditional in-person car reveal on its head, we produced an immersive virtual event to unveil Ford’s new electric vehicle. Powered by the gaming platform Unreal Engine, the event harnessed cutting-edge pixel streaming technology that will allow users to interact with the car in a hyperreal digital environment without the need for owning high-powered hardware. The first-ever pixel-streamed experience of its kind sets a new standard for future reveals in the automotive sector, where audiences can enjoy fully immersive experiences from their home.
The launch which took place on Tuesday 21st of March 2023, for the new all-electric Ford Explorer™ SUV took place in three stages. The first part kicked off with a seven-minute virtual reveal of the new car live on LinkedIn, featuring state-of-the-art photoreal CGI content starring Lexie Alford aka Lexie Limitless - the youngest person to travel to every country in the world. Viewers were able to see the car build itself around her, highlighting innovative features designed to reinvent exploring in the modern age.'
Please try the experience with the link below:
https://driveelectricexplorer.com/
Working with a prestigious car company such as Ford always comes with unique challenges. In this case, they wanted to represent their new Ford Explorer in a photo-realistic manner whilst still having the ability to reach as wide of an audience as possible.
Pixel streaming allowed us to create a super high-fidelity UE5 application that can be loaded onto any device with access to an internet browser.
My role was Technical Creative Lead, which involved the initial conceptualization of the overall app and tech stack, leading and helping our junior artist with the creation of three distinct environments, and general development of the application.
Part of the delivery for this project involved reusing the environment and car assets into a virtual production and VFX workflow for the reveal film of the vehicle.We shot on the MARS LED Volume in West London, using Unreal Engine and Disguise to display the Desert Environment on the Wall behind the car and presenters.
We also worked with a post-production house to take some of the shots to a higher level of realism.
This re-use of assets proved to be an incredibly effective cost reduction for the client.