Overview

In the third episode of "Because it’s Mercedes-Benz," we explored the cutting-edge world of autonomous driving and advanced safety testing. The episode takes the audience from high-tech laboratory simulations to real-world road tests. The core objective was to demystify how self-driving systems are developed, blending educational insights with a bold, cinematic visual language that keeps the audience engaged throughout the technical journey.

Challenges & Approach

This episode featured one of our most ambitious creative challenges: a last-minute decision by director Oliver Wergers to transform the massive Mercedes-Benz Driving Simulator into a UFO. To bring this vision to life, we shot an elaborate opening sequence inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey, featuring Becky and Elli as astronauts boarding the "craft." This required complex lighting setups, masterfully executed by our gaffer Juri Beythien, to create an otherworldly atmosphere within a technical hall.

The result

The result is a visually stunning opening that has become a fan favorite, successfully bridging the gap between sci-fi aesthetics and automotive engineering. By embracing this creative risk, we shot an episode that stands out for its imaginative scale while effectively communicating the importance of autonomous safety systems. The collaboration with Oliver Wergers and the technical brilliance of our lighting team ensured that the vision was captured perfectly, further cementing the series' reputation for high-concept production.