German Car Forum

Here is all the original posts from the Zeeblog .

How about a magic trick?

Not every photo shoot requires a car to be present...

Pin the Z4 on the road....

On Vacation now , but there is a good chance this will drop before Nov.5.
Attached Thumbnails


OOOh! Baby you give me Goosebumps!

Well on schedule and ready to move onto the next stage in Lanzerotte.
Shots completed at Bloukrans bridge - Car drives across bridge helicopter above to the cars left ,straight flight over the car , car turns goes into the opposite direction , helicopter does the same , so when edited you will see the car drive across the bridge , cut to the other side all at speed so it shows the Z4 @ performance and when the final edit is done the engine will be highly vocal.

Surprisingly the car looks good photographed and on film. In real life it is stunning , really masculine with very dynamic proportions especially under the South African Sun. And on the cool nights.
forty something days into shooting and we have accumulated hours and hours of film footage , and multiple photographs .

The film footage fits in with BMW's desire to be dynamic in it's marketing and here the footage gives you nothing but goosebumps , now I know the music that will go with this and have shown the crew the footage that goes well with the music , again we build up to a resounding climax less emotion more exhileration , Kinetic instead of timeless , we want you to feel goosebumps when you see this car drive and go WOW! I want this car!

ooh a question!

All BMW promotional material is filmed using HD technology now, Unfortunately the web hosts do not release the films in the right resolution.


What's My Motivation?

Filming Automobiles is only tricky when you need to have the right light and less shadow and reflection (there is one manufacturer who did not digitally remove or could not be bothered to on one of their promos)
Therefore it is pretty straightforward position the car here , there , everywhere , models less so. I am so glad that we have come from the days of when idrive was used on the E65 promo for the very same spot where we are now in which the model drove said car into an embankment Etched on my memory forever. Now we just tell them do not touch this or this if you are not sure of it just drive the car and do not look directly into the camera.

Shoot for the edit!

Once we are happy with certain film shots we load them onto external hardrives and upload them on BMW's secure server right under enthusiasts noses. they evaluate them and make there own directions but so far no adjustments required - All they see are shots of the car driving with all ambient noise - wind , waves , sea birds , the engines of the multiple vehicles and the car itself not a very good mix.
Although a full shot includes for example a shot of the Helicam shooting from below the Coast Road in South Africa , until we communicate the car is position , the car will speed off and the helicopter will follow. From this shot it arises from the cliffs below chasing the car on a curve , it will then follow the car as it negotiates its journey to the stopping point so the camera will shoot from above the car , beside the car , and shoot from the distance for that panoramic feel . we do these shots a few times covering from all angles. Again this is followed by the gyrocam on the SUV , again at all angles although the promo lasts for about 3 minutes , over 20 hours of footage is collected from each shoot, It is then up to marketing to decide what shots will feature and show off the dynamic attributes of a new BMW.

Why dont you broadcast it?

Blue Sky , White Sand The Convoy moves forward , whilst meeting with a contingency team from BMW SA , you arrive well like I do in a MINI Cooper S Clubman to find that corporate vans are littered in a parking area with BMW Event Support signs on the side panels. Whilst all are sitting outside on collapsible chairs waiting for our arrival eating breakfast and drinking coffee. Some public although I would hardly label them car enthusiasts are becoming suspicious, Though I do not see any cameras.
Whats good here is that the film crew from SA have a specially constructed preperation bay where the car is positioned into a tabernacle like tent so it is ready for filming . On Public areas the car slowly crawls alongside a Van hiding it from view until it is placed in position and ready to fire up and move only then you know something special has arrived in this area.

DECOY

For simply the reason to really confuse the press an E85 Z4 accompanies it's E89 brother and from side to side you can see the evolutionary overhall from the E85 transfer with more convention on the new car.
Some areas that indicate the Z series remain but you could say are more evidently detailed offering a very nice 3-d scultpure appearance.
The rear deck forgoes flattened incased rear lights for wrap around lights that shape form the overall look of the tailgate. A good indication is somewhat similar to the previous BMW Z3.
what I am more impressed with is how the proportions are very inviting.
Even with larger spec wheels on the E85 the space in between the wheel arches was really noticeable. Now on the E89 this has been eradicated showing off a wider track than the previous Z4 (Specially for handling and agility) The wheels fill the arches offering a nice chiseled appearance and perfect proportion. The proportions again echo the classic roadster look - raked windsheild and very low driving position a long hood and a short rear deck enhance the look , Bootspace is marginally larger than the current car with the option of the lever that controls the top cradle left when the hood is erect finding its way onto the Z4 from other BMW models.

It was after we featured the BMW M5 Concept in Gran Turismo IV that the potential really heat up for this type of youthfull approach.
Driving Games are possibly the most popular in interactive entertainment and we know how very much people in this industry are very much car enthusiasts.

It was in the early approach when the creators approached BMW to see if they would like to become part of the global Gran Turismo phenonomen as GT V was about to begin production.

Very much so we offered the yet unseen Z4 Coupe and the 3er Coupe and also said we will show you something that we think would be ideal.
Those cars were the new M3 and the unheard of 135i, This was back in 2005.

Perfection for every detail.

When each car is filmed or photographed it is crucial that everything is perfect the body work shinning , wiped clean of dust and sand and that each panel effectively reflects the light. A mobile cleaning crew join us and take care of all of this but occasionally I do like to get my hands dirty, Filming takes in every angle of the car and for that we do not like to see especially in High Definition with road tar and grime spots especially on a lighter colored car a prime example would be the M3 in Dubai and all that sand . Everything is cleaned and shined to principle even the wheels are thouroughly shined and removed of brake dust and dirt.

Even the hardest jobs such as cleaning the panel lines of dust and dirt are adhered to and Cotton swabs are used to get in between the BMW model insignia. So when you see the sunlight sparkle across the polished insignias of the new Z4 in one segment of the film, rest assured that badge and it's background bootlid paintwork are completely free of dirt and dust.

Shark meets Shark

In design terms the current E85 Z4 has simularities with a shark from the toothy grille in which the bars are delibrately sloped to indicate teeth, To the Side slash which could be a substitute for the gills. And how the windscreen is the outer slant of the dorsal fin.
As the new BMW Z4 Roadster returns with an evolutionary approach of todays still cutting edge roadster it is appropriate we return to one of the more fascinating ideas of extreme sportiness.
As we have a couple of days available before filming commences I will take a day trip out and take in an afternoon cage diving amongst the great white sharks , Although some may find the idea very apprehensive it is a very awe inspiring sight and something great to behold. It is always something to inspire your creativity I dont get my ideas just by sitting on the toilet seat but I have had a few in which some cars today people are actually driving , Nice that.

Andy , Larry and Dirty Harry.

Given the very nature of BMW's dynamics it is only fair that we instigate further creativity into our launch campaigns ,be it visual effects of the digital age or indeed the latest in camera technology.
One item we have come very accustomed to is the computer controlled crane gyroscope camera that is attatched via a computer controlled crane mounted on a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Leaving the why use the competition? questions aside.
This latest technology is used especially in vehicle action scenes and indeed scenes from such blockbusters such as "The Dark Knight" , Transformers and its incoming sequel , Bourne films its use is in the evidence of the dynamic swooping vehicle action scenes.
The Good thing about this technology is the camera can go up ,down , across , through , over and get close to the surface of the road as possible. The end result is such dynamic swooping shots that really reflect the potential of what car is being filmed.
As the Z4 is a Roadster we can get shots from above , showing the driver shift stick and pedal pump and take corners with such magnetic precision.
All this is down to the car of course and the camera helps enhance that evidence.

How everything works Ep. 1

What we are here doing is the hardest part of shooting because all we are getting is elements. Everything comes together but not at the moment.
We can basically have four cameras on the car at any given time so we have four different types of footage to use. Everything is not as you see on the media film. You do get helicopter engines drowning out your engine and incase of Sydney noisy sea birds spoiled the ambience this also meant the car had to cleaned up more than once.

Did we or didnt we?

One of the crew thinks we may have been snooped yesterday , although the car was not in production mode (It was covered with a foil car cover)
Someone says that there was a case of hyper activity when the BMW badge on the car cover gave the game away that BMW are in town.
Have not had a proper look yet but nothing here so far.



Shades of Gold,White,Blue and Green.

Unfortunately looks like the weather is stopping play. Moved up the coast and resting in Nelson where we will be utilising the Abel Tasman National Park for some film and photography. Dark Clouds not exactly the right mood we were wanting but it could turn out to be an advantage.

We have covered the basis to what we can of what is outside but how is the inside? Well effectively the original Z4 had a typical BMW quality . soft textured panels and nicely damped controls of the auto aircon , entertainment system etc. The new model is more egronomic friendly with now aircon controls closer to the driver , the idrive screen (Idrive will be available for this Z4) is faired in similar to the X6 and 7er , The long paneled dash remains giving that contemporary roadster look.
The seats are effectively more sport orientated as they cocoon the driver . New leathers and interior surfaces will be available to reflect the overhaul in quality that the new Z4 will feature - Ozone Silver - A new color to the Z4 reflects the dynasm of the new design showcasing all the detail in a milkish silver color , This car rides on new 18" wheels as effectively steered by the FEP pictures again like the previous model there will be very design orientated wheel specifications. Including the design as shown on the GINA concept car.
Go back to the M Roadster , The Z8 and even the GINA Concept and you will see how the new Z4 shows of it's wide track clothed in a well proportioned body The good thing is that the proportions as balanced by smaller rims has a tendency to look under developed. This has effectively been banished.

Next Time, How Chassis adaptions make the Z4 more agile than ever.
And aluminium makes the Z4 more lighter than before.

You are too generous...

More dynamic shots of driving across areas of the 90 mile beach , car looking good on film even from the arial shots the car totally sticks to the road especially on those high drop dramatic New Zealand cliffs.
Agile Dynamics brought to you courtesy of BMW "S" Drive and not something to go into now but the time will come.
After The beautiful lands of New Zealand , familiar territory in Cape Town , South Africa. Plenty of coastal scenic roads in the planning but also permission for a Sunday morning blast through a deserted city , roads closed and inbetween the high rise buildings the city will be alive with the sounds of turbo charged Six cylinder power. Similar to what was done in Sydney except that was a cruise just to raise the roof.

Sports car? what truly makes a decent sports car is it handling?, agilty? , performance? , acceleration like a bullet fired from a gun? All the bases have been covered with the Z4. Without reference to the weight , there is some very innovative techniques used within this car to counteract such claims. Maybe we got things round the wrong way with "The dawn of a new era" and could have used this with the Z4. As both cars are effectively giant leaps from their previous incarnations.
Truth be told though this term could also apply to the Z4 also as the sun sets on the E85 The countdown to sunrise (E89) begins.

Next : This is your 5am alarm call...

To the Beach (Then the edit!)

Having completed shooting in Sydney , Melbourne and Adelaide taking in some some fantastic shots especially on the Great Ocean Road @ Sunrise,
Adelaide took in a guest before he flew back to Munich , before Iceland but will appear ready and rugged for Paris in October.
Some of the footage is looking visually amazing especially along the Great Ocean Road when you have a helicopter either chasing or hovering to catch the car swoop round the corners , Then the gyro camera mounted on a crane attached to a performance SUV gives you up close and personal dynamic shots Even more when the Police allow you to go for it because the road is closed!
This presentation is going to be visually something special!

We have been sneaky because we have used the time to alternate between shoots , so that means we are on the streets before anybody rises allowing us to shoot publically without interuption in Sydney's streets , a high rise parking structure, the famous Yacht Harbour.And of course on the Harbour bridge.

Now in New Zealand for more atmospheric shots and then to Cape Town, South Africa which means it will be less crowded when we get there what with Audi and the A6 and Mercedes-Benz with some concept vehicle and amongst others , the fight for the roads would become very bloody.

Next time , Performance Catamarans.

Z4 The Movie.

With Australian shooting coming to an end before we ship over to New Zealand, A perspective so far.
A quiet Sunday means more location work without interuption or the morning or evening rush hour and empty high rise parking structures.
And not forgetting lane closure.
Of course the star is doing well unfortunately being close to the harbour as we learned on the 7er (Maybe a sign of good luck?) The Gulls seem to enjoy the car or leaving their deposits on the car.
With the new Z4 debuting a new handling control programme to be known as "S-drive" and fully compliant and progressive engines reflect the dynamic nature of the new Z4 In which not only is the offering of a more focused drive but new reflections in technology , comfort and quality.

Of course I am asked the question " This car is very sport orientated - Why no M version? " A very good question and one we cannot answer yet until the car goes on sale , It is far too early to decide what direction the Z4 will go in Although there have been denials to the media truth is internally " Lets Wait and see what happens" But with the M-Division to be known as the pinacle of "Efficient Dynamics" merely because of some groundbreaking developments in technology that will spear head the "Efficient Dynamics" push of M Division which will produce some very ground breaking M Division prepared models - Things can go forward it is just you have to adapt to what is changing.

Next Stop : 90 Mile Beach , New Zealand.

Good morning or should I just say G'day .
welcome to Day one.

Weather looks good , possible thunderstorm later Hopefully I expect to get particular obscured sky shots with dark clouds for some really intense arty shots .

The car is finished in Ozone Silver a new color that will feature with the Z4 as will Mineral White which is also here , Ideally we have a great disguise for the car - plastic foil covers that completely cover the whole of the car with a space cut out for the driver to position the car before the covers come off.

Overall it's a busy day ahead.

So that's Two cars , Two trailers , catering truck , Three X5 support vehicles , Gyroscope mounted camera SUV , Fixed sidecar camera to superbike , Two camera mounted helicopters , Mobile communication truck , Actors trailers. Security .

The countdown to sunrise has begun. But first where is the nearest Starbucks in Sydney?

Scott,

I knwo there are lots of clowns on this board that know how to talk some nonesense. But I would like to say that your work and your contributions to these forums are much appreciated.

I cannot wait to see your Z4 work as the X6 one was fantastic. I went from dreaming about these cars from your videos to getting to work with them on a daily basis. Thanks again.

Dear Scottie ...

E83 = X3

Z4 = E85

Scottie is overworked.

I can't wait

Thanks Scott your work is very appreciated here, even tho I don't comment much on your posts (usually because I don't know what to say)

I do read and enjoy them

P.s it's the 6th today and no pics yet, is there a delay with the releasing?

Yep, the release has been pushed back a week

Great work Scott, much appreciated! Thanks for sharing!