Project Scope
We handled the creative and technical preproduction for a series of high-efficiency, VFX-driven Instagram Reels produced for the Manchester City F.C. x Midea global campaign.
Starring club icons, including Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and Stefan Ortega, each spot was produced using real-time virtual production, enabling us to capture cinematic-quality visuals within the highly restricted on-set time windows available with elite-level athletes.
This project exemplifies Arcanum Works’ ability to combine previsualization precision, virtual production expertise, and creative agility to deliver high-end commercial content under strict time constraints - where every second counts.
What We Did
- Directed interactive previsualization and technical planning using Unreal Engine to develop virtual sets and environment logic ahead of the shoot
- Supervised virtual production workflows for LED volume shooting, delivering final in-camera VFX backgrounds for real-time rendering
- Led creative and logistical preproduction, including choreography design, camera movement planning, and set transition rehearsal protocols
- Managed on-set previs and blocking with talent doubles to simulate scenes in advance, minimizing trial-and-error during athlete time windows
- Assisted in coordinated multi-team collaboration (DOP, set design, LED ops, VFX) to execute three different commercials with three players in under 30 minutes
- Directed digital set extensions, VFX integration, and invisible object animation postvis - including precise matchmoving and hand-animated physical interactions
- Guided fast-paced art direction and prop swap choreography between setups to match virtual backgrounds and maximize shoot efficiency
Skills & Tools
Interactive Previs · Unreal Engine · Virtual Production · Set Planning · Camera Blocking · Matchmoving · VFX Supervision · Real-Time Scene Design · Production Logistics · Talent Coordination · Creative Direction
