Set against the backdrop of an otherworldly racetrack, “Dark Horse” opens with four robotic horses, representing traditional approaches to luxury performance, emerging from the starting gate and aggressively jostling for position. Spectators watch from the grandstand in a euphoric state, among them a more enlightened and informed individual who seems to know that something unexpected is about to happen. At that moment, an elegant and powerful dark horse emerges from the pack and transforms into the all-new 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWDx, which is then joined by the 2015 TLX Prototype and the NSX Concept as all three vehicles surge forward.

Modelers developed a mechanical skeleton and muscle framework while concept artists explored ideas for body design of the different cars. Simultaneously, riggers and animators tested range of motion to ensure robotic shapes translated into realistic horse movement.

Extensive R&D was carried out to transform Acura’s competitor cars into metallic beasts. Staying true to the rawness of the concepts while ensuring these bio-mechanical hybrids still looked and felt like horses was key. This set the stage for the centerpiece of the campaign: the natural, vivacious and effortlessly superior hero horse.

The shoot took place over three days in LA. Shooting live horses to frame shots and block the horse action. The director was specific about the horse performances he chose for the edit, and that served as our basis for animation.

The horse assets were meticulously detailed: each was comprised of roughly 6,000 CG parts. Entire skeletal and muscular systems were modeled and rigged in 3D, and subtly layered with brand-inspired car components that resembled elements in the cars’ distinctive designs, such as headlights as eyes and front grill styling incorporated as chest plates.

The massive job features over 50 VFX shots, including 20 fully CG scenes. The VFX team also took advantage of their global pipeline allowing for seamless 24-hour workflow. Colorist crafted the grade to support the atmospheric mood, combining a reduced color palette, duotone lighting and futuristic tones to strike a fine balance of light and shadow.