Tianyang Ziva Shi: Pushing Boundaries in Virtual Production – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Mercedes Benz Places Miami Commercial

Tianyang Ziva Shi, a talented creative professional, has swiftly made a name for herself in the industry with her fervent passion for virtual production and filmmaking. As a recent graduate from the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the co-founder and XR Producer of WLAB Studio, Ziva’s groundbreaking work on the Mercedes Benz Places Miami commercial has captivated audiences worldwide. In an exclusive interview, Ziva shares her insights and experiences in bringing this remarkable project to life.From the very beginning, Ziva had a clear vision for the project, aiming to collaborate with companies like Mercedes Benz while preserving their aesthetic and integrating XR and creative technology. She explains, “My goal was to maintain their aesthetic and incorporate what we excel at, which is XR and creative technology.” Her unwavering focus on consistency and the brand’s unique identity played a pivotal role in shaping her vision for the commercial.To capture the essence of Miami, Ziva immersed herself in her perception of the city. She describes Miami as a place with magnificent beaches, abundant sunshine, and a vibrant atmosphere that evokes feelings of warmth, vacation, and happiness. Through meticulous attention to detail, Ziva sought to seamlessly incorporate these elements into the commercial. The stunning model in the commercial basks in the beauty of the sunset, with colors inspired by the warm sand, swaying palm trees, and the gentle blue hues of the sea breeze.

During the collaboration with The Boundary, the company that brought the project to WLAB Studio, Ziva faced the challenge of aligning the creative workflow and communication between teams based in the UK and Brooklyn. She emphasizes the crucial role of effective communication in the creative process, stating, “Communication is key. Successful creativity stems from the ability to effectively convey ideas to others.”

One of the most memorable moments for Ziva during the shoot was the intersection of the virtual world with reality. She recalls a scene where the model had to walk towards and through a virtual door. Through skillful lighting and camera movements, a magical illusion was created, making it appear as if she was walking towards a door that did not actually exist. This experience showcased the immense power of virtual production and the XR stage. Ziva underscores the significance of lighting and color in virtual production. Lighting and color are pivotal in ensuring that virtual production footage appears realistic and visually appealing. Ziva and her team developed an in-house color workflow to guarantee consistent and accurate color representation from the initial stages to the final day of the shoot.

During the shoot, Ziva encountered a challenge with the genlock system, which was essential for proper alignment. After five hours of troubleshooting, they discovered that the sync generator did not support the camera they were using. However, they persevered and found a solution, allowing the shoot to proceed smoothly. After the shoot, Ziva and her team eagerly awaited the final version of the commercial. When they finally saw the deliverables, they were astounded and considered it the pinnacle of their studio’s achievements. The commercial garnered positive feedback from industry professionals and gained attention on various websites and social media platforms, attracting those with a keen interest in virtual production.

Ziva is thrilled when people express their astonishment at the technological advancements employed in virtual production. She firmly believes that virtual production is a revolutionary technology that mitigates the challenges faced in traditional filmmaking and has the potential to shape the future of the industry.

In terms of the commercial’s impact on Mercedes Benz, Ziva aimed for it to become an integral part of the brand’s image and contribute to attracting more potential customers. She hopes that architectural visualization (archviz) companies will witness the commercial’s success and consider incorporating XR in their future projects and commercials, as it can enhance efficiency and accessibility while maintaining high-quality standards.

Looking ahead, Ziva and her team at WLAB Studio are excited about the prospect of collaborating with Mercedes Benz and other real estate companies once again. Their groundbreaking contributions to the digital media and film production industry have garnered recognition and earned them esteemed corporate clients.As an active member of The One Club for Creativity, Ziva’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field is evident. Her extensive experience and leadership position her to accurately evaluate the exceptional abilities of individuals in this fiercely competitive landscape. She is highly regarded as a creative executive, producer, and director, and her work has received accolades from respected industry awards programs.

Tianyang Ziva Shi’s unwavering passion for virtual production and filmmaking shines through in her groundbreaking work and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her creative vision and expertise continue to push boundaries in the industry, cementing her status as a highly sought-after professional in the field.