Category: Automotive

You don’t need us to tell you how CGI has changed the world. Why has it become so infinitely popular? It allows us to create unique scenarios that can’t be matched by photography or video. Take this configurator for the Bentley Bentayga; using traditional photography you would never be able to convey the sheer scale of customisation available. To do that as a photo shoot you would need a physical sample of every option, which is an impossibility given that there are literally billions of possible configurations! It’s why photo-realistic CGI has become so powerful.

 

Complete control

Don’t underestimate the prevalence of CGI; Ikea’s catalogue is mostly digitally rendered for example. It allows for complete control. Sure, if you opt for a live-action shoot for your latest advert or marketing film the traditional way it has an air of authenticity. But if you get back home only to find out you missed that perfect shot on location, it could be very costly to return to location and reshoot.

With CGI, that chance of error is eliminated; 3D shots can be endlessly tweaked until they meet the desired visual target. If you’re using a game engine, like Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, these changes can be made in real-time and provide far-reaching possibilities within the interactive world.

 

Fully loaded

The automotive industry hasn’t escaped the CGI wave, despite some insistence where film is the only way. When it comes to advertising, the sector prefers to marry CGI and the real world. And we’re not referring to the obvious examples like the goat in the Volkswagen T-Roc advert.

This is perfect for situations where the car’s design has yet to be finalised. Renders can be placed initially and configured as the project progresses and the design shifts.

Another keyword is flexibility. Not only can the car be put in any location, but it can also be viewed from any angle, under any weather conditions, in any lighting. And photorealism has never been higher – we’re at a point where viewers genuinely can’t tell the difference between what is real and what isn’t.

 

More than a feeling

The potential to integrate with other technological advancements, like AR and VR, is another expanding area. The image quality isn’t quite there yet but it’s moving at a pace and the next generation of headsets will be able to fool the viewer into questioning what is real and what is virtual.

CGI has become commonplace as the chosen solution for almost all car configurators, allowing prospective buyers the ability to create their perfect car by personalising every interior and exterior detail before sharing the life-like visualisations with their friends and family. Yes, photography and film are real, and there will always be people of the opinion that nothing can replace what is real. But sometimes there’s more to marketing – more to your vehicle – than what is real. It’s an experience that can’t be conveyed by film alone. With CGI you have the tools in your hand to bring your perfect design to life.

At RealtimeUK we are the experts at recreating your designs down to the smallest detail. With a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, we have the capability to turn your ideas into a virtual reality. Get in touch with me at [email protected] to discuss your next project.

What’s your role at REALTIME?

At REALTIME I’m an Automotive CGI Generalist and my job is to create photorealistic materials/models and renders for some very respected car brands. As a hard surface modeller, I sculpt extremely detailed parts, then tweak and adjust all manner of things to get them to look photo-real using 3ds Max, V-Ray, Substance Painter, After Effects to name but a few.

 

Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I first dabbled in CG when I was 14 and haven’t stopped. For the last 8 years, I’ve had various roles including the Design Director of Zedro Motors. Having no limits in how I could express my love for cars was what first got my interest and from there every day has been an opportunity to push the limits of what I can achieve.

  

What first sparked your interest in cars?

The Pagani Zonda. This car came out in 2000 when I was just 5. It made an incredible impact on me as it was so different and unique. In general, the thrill and adrenaline speed can offer while being able to admire a perfectly designed car is just the perfect combination for me!

 

So, what does an average day consist of for you?

My day starts with making a coffee then catching up with the team. I get quickly back on track and lose myself to graphics while listening to some nice music. Communication with my manager is very important in order to work on the right path. The day also includes many laughs and jokes which keep everyone smiling, it’s a really nice working atmosphere. There are new things to learn every day because this is a high-end graphics company which stands out in this competitive industry.

 

What’s been your favourite project to work on and that you’re most proud of?

Well, I’ve worked on quite a lot of projects but my proudest is that I designed a concept supercar from scratch for a company and had the chance to see it and drive it in Miami. Words can’t describe that feeling. It was one of my biggest goals and I’m glad to have achieved it at this age.

 

What’s the best thing about working here?

For me, every single thing is fascinating because it’s all I ever dreamed of. I spent thousands of hours in my house doing graphics and now I have the opportunity to work on that in an amazing office with a high-end spec pc and most importantly, some really talented artists and now friends!

 

Are there any upcoming things in the industry that you think people need to keep an eye out for?

There are always exciting things coming in this industry, that’s why I never get bored. There are no limits in 3D graphics and that’s why I can’t predict what the future holds.

 

Do you have any tips for new artists wanting to do what you do?

It’s all about how bad you really want something. There will be a lot of sacrifices, but everything pays off eventually so stick to the plan and don’t even think of giving up.

 

Tell me a fun fact about yourself?

I’m the youngest road legal supercar designer in the world and I never went to a car design school.

 

 

Queen said it best with the song ‘I’m in Love With My Car’. Roger Taylor’s love song to automobiles says what every car enthusiast is thinking, and what non-enthusiasts can’t ever comprehend. The beauty of each and every vehicle. The bond people create with their cars that are inimitable.

Roger might have been a bit too enthusiastic, but the point still stands – there’s a lot to love about cars. I asked the REALTIME automotive team what their dream garage would be. But, they only had a budget of £200,000.

It’s just a bit of fun so you could get to know them better but it quickly turned into serious business; cars are no laughing matter. Without further ado, our dream garages!

Tony Prosser – Managing Director

Tony founded REALTIME back in 1996 and has been responsible for driving the company’s growth over the last 22 years. Speaking of driving (excuse the tenuous link) Tony’s dream garage is a mix of the popular and the unique. It includes the classic choice of a right-hand drive Ford Mustang and a blast from the past in the form of a Ford Fiesta XR2. The full list, including prefered colour choices, includes:

• 2000 Lotus Exige S1 (Norfolk mustard)
• 2001 Lotus 340R (silver and grey)
• 2018 Ford Mustang 5.0 Convertible (black, RHD)
• 1986 Ford Fiesta XR2 (white)
• 2018 Range Rover Velar D300

Paul McSweeney – Client Services Director

Paul has gone for the classic dream garage configuration – a perfect blend of new and old with his 2018 Alpine A110 and a ‘70s era Rover P5 Coupe. The crown jewel might well be the Land Rover Discovery, with all the bells and whistles. The full garage list includes:

• 2018 ‘Christmas Tree’ Land Rover Discovery 3.0d
• 2018 Launch Edition Alpine A110
• Mint condition 1993 Series III Jaguar XJ12 Sovereign
• 1973 Rover P5 Coupe

Damian Bilinski – Senior Automotive Artist

Damian’s loves in life can be boiled down to the 4 C’s – cinema, concerts, craft beer, and cars. And when it comes to cars it looks like the bigger the better, with a 4×4 jeep and a Volkswagen California camper van. The full list includes:

• 2015 Jeep Wrangler 2.8 CRD Sahara Hard Top
• 2014 Range Rover Evoque
• Volkswagen California Camper Van
• 1993 Honda NSX
• 2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A180

Graham James – Senior Producer (Automotive)

Graham is the only one to choose six vehicles and the first one to choose a bike! This gamer at heart has gone for some old-school choices, and has the oldest pick with his 1958 Plymouth Fury. There’s also a 1961 Ford Galaxie and a 1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo 2 which looks exactly like you would expect a car from the early 90s to look. His list includes:

• 1958 Plymouth Fury
• 1961 Ford Galaxie Coupe
• 1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo 2
• 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R
• 2001 Mini Cooper S
• 2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R

Will Wilson – Senior 3D Artist (Automotive)

If there’s a running theme with Will’s choices, it’s that they’re all simple, slick, and easy on the eyes. Favouring the classic over the contemporary – with three picks from the 70s or earlier – he had to force himself to pick something actually from this century in the form of a Lexus LS 460. The full list includes:

• 1972 BMW 2002
• 1969 Jaguar E Type
• 1966 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
• Lexus LS 460

Mihai Tarus – CG Automotive Generalist

If you were wondering how Mihai spends his free time, we’ll save you the effort – it’ll have something to do with cars. Whether he’s out for a drive in the countryside or staying in watching Top Gear reruns on Dave for the 100th time, his love of cars eclipses all. Especially the 2007 Suzuki Swift Sport sitting in his driveway. Given the chance, Mihai’s dream garage would include:

• 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
• 2018 Volvo V90 CrossCountry T6
• 2019 Mazda MX-5
• 1985 Mercedes-Benz C123 V8 Resto-mod
• 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX GSR

Dionys Saka – Junior CG Generalist (Automotive)

Dionys is one of the newest members of the REALTIME team. He’s made his mark with his selection of fast cars, sleek bikes, and a Honda scooter. He also spent exactly £200,000 with his picks – see what we mean about serious business? His choices are:

• Audi R8 V10 Spyder
• Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP550
• KTM 690 Supermoto
• Honda PCX125

The sheer variety on display just goes to show how much love there is for cars here at REALTIME. Everyone has their own unique taste and they’re all fantastic picks in their own right. Are the BBC still looking for Top Gear presenters, because we know a few people who they might be interested in.

At REALTIME we love cars, and we know how much you love your cars. If you want a company that knows how to bring your creation to life with care and attention to detail, our CGI expertise and automotive adoration make us the perfect partner. Get in touch with me at [email protected]

The 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed was again bathed in sunshine on the Friday that the RealtimeUK team was visiting. Our early entrance to this 25th anniversary event was immediately greeted by the roar, smell and vibration of pre and post-war racers, being wrestled up the famous hill, reminding me of the true pioneering spirit of the age.

This year’s central display was Porsche’s, celebrating its 70^th anniversary with a spectacular artistic landmark to its heritage (see above). The other major headline and perhaps more of a sign of the times, was from the Roborace concern. The Robocar was the first ever fully autonomous vehicle to make it up the hill. A mesmerising achievement but how does this make us petrolheads feel? Do let us know what you think!

For the RealtimeUK team, it was quickly to the business of touring the manufacturer stands and there were none more impressive than Polestar’s. The large installation, housing one single vehicle, was intentionally to ‘global motor show’ scale to really let the fabulous Polestar 1 breathe. With utterly cool Swedish styling, carbon structure, 600 horsepower and 1,000 newton metres of torque from its hybrid powertrain, it comfortably justifies its €155,000 price.

From there it was off to Lamborghini to experience the new Urus SUV and the very highly rated Huracan Performante Spyder. I’m very sure that the Urus will fly off the shelves in Sant’Agata Bolognese, with its combination of performance and accommodation coupled with no compromise, full-blooded Lamborghini styling. This particular Performante Spyder’s relatively calm matt blue paint with black hood and rims seemed perfect to me, cementing its status as a genuine track day weapon.

Then it was over to Woking’s finest to catch the 600LT, revealed to the Goodwood public just the day before. Carrying on McLaren’s now established nomenclature structure, 600 stands for 600PS and LT stands for minus 100kg and, well, nothing short of the pinnacle of driving performance and engagement. Launch colour remains reassuringly orange of course, in case you were worried.

Nestled suitably between the stable yard and VIP drop-off, Rolls-Royce took up its usual position at the festival with its brand new ‘Urban Inspired Specification’ Cullinan doing its best to outdo its stable mates, especially the satin-painted Phantom. Cullinan is seeking to establish leadership in go-anywhere, ultimate luxury and you certainly can’t help but be convinced it will succeed.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the Porsche 911s on display, from the relationship between Singer and Williams Advanced Engineering, were some kind of step back in time, but this is a vehicle confidently billed as the ‘most advanced, lightweight, air cooled 911 that the world has ever seen’. Easily stated but difficult to deliver… although a new braking system, new suspension, a full aero study and the finest ever air-cooled engine, would surely remove any doubts. Form an orderly queue and be quick about it, ladies and gentlemen, only 75 will be built.

Mention must also go to W Motors; the proud UAE-based manufacturer showcasing their dramatic Fenyr SuperSport. Edgy, aggressive and beautifully little, I’d advise you all to make a mental note of this brand, more is certainly to come!

Finally for us, there was just enough time to catch the Lotus Cars stand. Making a glorious return to Goodwood in celebration of its 70^th anniversary (just like Porsche!), it was great to see the brand front and centre, showcasing its full range of cars and the iconic Type 79 F1 car for all to drink in.

See you all next year!