Swiss Lotto – Jetzt Krachts

• Role: VFX & CG Supervisor, CG Artist
• CGI Team Size: 3 CG Artists
• Core Tech: Houdini, Cinema 4D, After Effects

 

The director, Tobi Fueter, approached me with a bold concept: an old car getting crushed by a new car right in the middle of a Zurich street, captured with an organic, handheld camera feel.

 

To solve this challenge, we designed a multi-step plan:

 

• The Setup: We filmed the pre-crash action on location with a moving camera.
• The Transition: We used a person walking in front of the lens as a natural hidden cut, transitioning to a locked-off camera setup.
• The Reactions: This locked-off position allowed us to safely capture practical elements, actor reactions, and physical debris on-site.

 

We filmed the actual crash on the same day at a scrapyard outside Zurich. To ensure a seamless blend, we matched the locked-off camera angle and waited for the sun to hit the exact same position as the morning shoot. For safety and control, the crushing of the old car and the landing of the new car were filmed as separate practical passes.

 

As a fail-safe, I built an exact digital replica of the Peugeot in post-production. Fortunately, the meticulous planning paid off—everything lined up perfectly in camera, and the CG backup wasn’t even needed. The final composite came together flawlessly.