Task 2: Product Ad with VFX

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 TASK002 : PRODUCT REEL




Concept and Objective


This project aimed to create a visually compelling and high-energy product reel for a Xiaomi smartphone, leveraging VFX techniques to enhance its premium design, fluid UI, and advanced features. The challenge was to present the phone in an engaging, futuristic manner while maintaining a clean and minimal aesthetic.


I shot the footage using a Sony A7III mounted on a tripod for stability, ensuring precise framing and smooth camera movement. I also collaborated with my brother, who assisted in capturing some dynamic shots that required external movement. The entire post-production, including VFX, motion graphics, text animations, and colour grading, was done in DaVinci Resolve.


VFX Techniques Used


1. Motion Tracking & On-Screen UI Integration

I applied motion tracking to align digital overlays with the phone’s screen to emphasise the user interface and responsiveness. This allowed me to seamlessly introduce animated UI elements, making it appear as if the phone was actively displaying its features in real time. This technique gave the video a more immersive and interactive feel.


2. Text Animations and Layered Effects

A key part of the video was the strategic use of animated text and graphic elements to dynamically highlight the phone's specifications. These were carefully placed to:

  • Ensure easy readability without overwhelming the visuals.
  • Match the flow and movement of the phone, making it feel naturally integrated.
  • Create a futuristic appeal through smooth opacity transitions, tracking effects, and digital distortions.

The text animations were achieved using custom keyframe animations, easing effects, and subtle glows that reinforced the high-tech theme of the product.


3. 3D Element Integration & Depth Enhancements

To give the product more presence, I separately simulated depth and parallax movement by layering foreground and background elements. This added an illusion of 3D space, making the phone appear more dynamic.

In some shots, I incorporated 3D renders and reflections to enhance the realism of the product, particularly in sequences where the phone rotates or is presented in slow motion.


4. Compositing & Light Effects

  • Background Compositing: Some shots were refined with background enhancements, ensuring the environment around the phone looked polished and cinematic.
  • Light Flares and Glows: To add an extra premium feel, I used light flares and subtle glow effects to highlight the phone's edges, giving it a more refined and luxurious look.

5. High-Paced Transitions & Cut Effects

The video features a mix of fast cuts and whip transitions to maintain a smooth, high-energy flow.

  • Match cuts and speed ramps were used to keep up with the pacing.
  • Glitch transitions and digital distortions reinforced the futuristic theme.
  • Light leaks and motion blur effects were added to emphasize key feature highlights.




Challenges and Solutions


  1. Syncing Text and UI Elements with Live Action
    • Motion tracking and keyframe animations ensured every text and icon moved naturally along the phone.
    • Careful timing adjustments kept elements perfectly aligned.
  2. Blending Digital Overlays with Real Footage
    • Shadow mapping and glow effects helped UI elements feel integrated instead of floating unnaturally.
    • Layering techniques ensured a smooth and realistic blend between 3D renders and live footage.
  3. Maintaining a Consistent Visual Tone
    • Colour grading was refined to ensure temperature, contrast, and overall tone uniformity.
    • The clean and modern aesthetic of Xiaomi branding was maintained through careful font selection and restrained animation styles.

Final Outcome & Learnings

The completed product reel successfully showcased the Xiaomi phone's sleek design, vibrant UI, and innovative features using a mix of motion graphics, text animation, VFX, and high-energy cuts.


This project strengthened my skills in integrating VFX into product advertising, particularly in motion tracking, compositing, and text animation. It also emphasized balancing creative storytelling with clean and effective product presentation.

By blending technical precision with artistic execution, this product reel serves as a compelling digital advertisement that highlights the product and immerses the audience in its world of innovation and sleek technology.

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