Car buyers are heavily influenced by video ads when deciding which car to purchase. This underscores the importance of creating visually compelling, high-quality commercials that resonate with audiences.
To achieve this, a car commercial must combine technical expertise with creative storytelling. The result? A video that captures the car’s features, evokes emotions, and drives sales. Red Summit Productions specializes in creating impactful commercials that stand out. Let’s dive into the process of creating a car commercial that sells.
Pre-Production: Setting the Stage for Success
Every great car commercial starts with meticulous planning. Pre-production is where the vision for the project is refined and all the critical details are ironed out.
Scouting Locations: The choice of location can dramatically impact the tone and aesthetic of the commercial. For instance, urban settings might highlight sophistication, while open roads and scenic backdrops emphasize freedom and adventure.
Timing and Lighting: Golden hour—the time just after sunrise or before sunset—is ideal for capturing warm, dramatic lighting. This natural light complements the car’s contours and enhances its visual appeal.
Equipment Selection: High-quality cameras are essential for delivering crisp, professional visuals. Stabilization tools like gimbals ensure smooth movement during shots, which is especially important for car-to-car filming. Drones can also be valuable for capturing sweeping aerial views.
Vehicle Preparation: A clean and detailed car is key. Every inch of the vehicle should sparkle, as imperfections will be magnified under the camera’s scrutiny.
Storyboard Creation: Laying out a visual plan ensures that every shot contributes to the commercial’s narrative and aligns with the brand message.
Shooting Techniques: Capturing Dynamic Footage
Filming a car commercial requires a variety of advanced techniques to ensure the footage is visually stunning and engaging. The process demands creativity and precision, especially when using methods like car-to-car filming.
Car-to-Car Filming
Filming cars from another car is one of the best ways to capture dynamic movement and convey speed.
Using a camera mounted on a stabilized rig ensures smooth, cinematic shots while the car is in motion.
Safety is paramount: Drivers and crew members need clear communication and synchronization to avoid mishaps during the shoot.
Cinematic Angles and Perspectives
Low-angle shots are excellent for showcasing the car’s power and stature, making it appear dominant and sleek.
High-angle drone shots provide a broader view, revealing how the car interacts with its surroundings, whether it’s cruising through a bustling city or gliding along a winding mountain road.
Close-ups focus on the car’s key features—gleaming headlights, luxurious interiors, or aerodynamic curves—drawing attention to the details that make it unique.
Storytelling Through Movement
Car commercials aren’t just about the vehicle; they tell a story. Whether it’s a family embarking on an adventure or a professional arriving in style, the narrative should highlight how the car enhances the experience.
Post-Production: Making the Footage Shine
Post-production is where the raw footage transforms into a polished commercial. This stage demands attention to detail to ensure that every visual element aligns perfectly with the overall vision.
Seamlessly editing footage ensures a smooth and cohesive narrative. Transitions should feel natural, and the pacing should align with the story being told. Adjusting the color tones of the footage enhances the car’s appearance and sets the mood. Whether the goal is sleek sophistication or rugged adventure, color grading plays a critical role.
A commercial isn’t complete without an audio component. Adding engine sounds, ambient noise, and a fitting music track amplifies the emotional impact of the visuals. Subtle effects, such as motion blurs or light flares, can add drama and elevate the production quality without overshadowing the car.
Click here to check out our car commercial project with GMC.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Car Commercial Filming
Avoiding common pitfalls ensures that the final product meets professional standards and effectively engages the audience.
Don’t overload the video with effects. While effects can enhance visuals, they shouldn’t distract from the car itself.
Don’t neglect safety protocols. Especially during car-to-car filming, failing to prioritize safety can lead to accidents and delays.
Pay attention to natural lighting. Poorly planned shoots during harsh midday light or dim conditions can diminish the quality of the footage.
Remember the story. A commercial without a clear narrative risks feeling disconnected and unmemorable.
Steering clear of these missteps helps ensure a successful production process.
Get Car Commercials that Sell with Red Summit Productions
Creating a car commercial that resonates with audiences requires a combination of creativity, preparation, and technical expertise. From pre-production planning to post-production polishing, every step is crucial to producing a commercial that truly sells.
Whether it’s capturing smooth car-to-car shots, highlighting intricate details, or delivering dynamic storytelling, our team has the skills and equipment to bring any vision to life. Reach out today to get started.