Client: AMPD

The Initial Brief & Project Scope

The client approached our AI video production company with a time-sensitive request for a top-of-funnel video ad, requiring a seamless blend of live-action feel and high-end 3D motion graphics. We distilled their needs into four core requirements:

• The Deliverable: A ~30-second commercial.
• Base Visuals: Two distinct live-action setups, leveraging either high-quality stock footage or AI generation. The scenes needed to contrast a professional working at an office computer with a consumer relaxing at home on a smartphone.
• Motion Graphics: Clean, animated UI overlays (app icons, map pins, and dynamic arrows) composited on top of the base footage to explain the product.
• The Timeline: A strict 4-week turnaround from kickoff to final delivery.

The Pitch: Giving the Client Options

Transparency is key to our process. We immediately provided two workflow options based on their tight deadline:

• Option 1: Adapted Graphics (Fast & Cost-Effective)
  We use high-quality stock or AI footage and adapt professional motion graphic templates (customizing colors, app icons, and movements to perfectly fit the brand).
  
  • Cost: $2500
  • Timeline: 2 weeks (well within the 4-week deadline)

• Option 2: Custom Motion Graphics
  We develop exclusive, fully custom animations and 3D graphics from scratch, specifically tailored to this project.
  
  • Cost: ~$6,000
  • Timeline: Within the 4-week timeframe

The Pivot: Shaping the Creative Strategy

During our discovery call, the scope evolved. It was critical for the client to establish a strong visual contrast between two specific personas: a B2B marketer in the office and a B2C shopper at home. The client specifically requested using AI-generated characters for these scenes.

Additionally, they referenced one of our previous case studies (Medical Device Video Production), where we successfully tracked and integrated high-end 3D graphics into live-action footage.

To protect the client's budget and keep the pipeline efficient, we initially suggested using premium stock footage for the base layers and compositing the UI/graphics on top:

• Office Setting: Example 1 / Example 2
• Home Setting: Example 1 (ideal for showing the purchase process while relaxing) / Example 2 (specifically this shot or this one).

However, the client wanted highly specific locations, character looks, and framing that stock couldn't perfectly match. The decision was made: we would build the base footage entirely through AI generation.

Step 1: Discovery & 3D Concepting

Even though the client provided a draft script and a rough voiceover (VO) outline, we initiated a deep-dive discovery phase (both async and via Zoom) to align on the visual logic.

The biggest hurdle: Visualizing the core value proposition.

We needed to show how a user navigates choices between different retail platforms using purely graphic/UI elements. The client provided a basic logic slide as a reference point.

After exploring multiple visual routes, we landed on a deep, abstract 3D spatial environment. The concept featured a dynamic line traversing the space, connecting various retail icons.

Once the core visual metaphor was approved, our 3D team moved into Look Development (LookDev). We chose an aesthetic featuring a sleek, grid-based floor. To add visual interest, we broke the linear perspective by ending the grid in a "chaotic staircase" of floating geometric blocks.

Step 2: AI LookDev & "Casting"

Running concurrently with the 3D design, our AI generation team began developing the environments and character personas.

To ensure we were fully aligned with the client before burning hours on prompt engineering, we built traditional moodboards using Pinterest. No AI was used at this stage. We needed human-level alignment on vibe, styling, and color grading.

Once the hero references, lighting, and color palettes were locked in, we began generating the AI assets. We essentially provided the client with an "AI Casting Sheet" featuring different synthetic actors and location variations. We also provided several AI-generated voiceover profiles to match the brand's tone.

Step 3: Production & Storyboarding

By this time, our motion team had prepared the storyboard for the graphics-heavy sequences, mapping out the key 3D shots.

We moved into phased animation approvals. To keep the review process focused, we shared unpolished playblasts first—for example, showing the 3D scene without the complex starting camera movement (the transition from the smartphone screen into the 3D space).

We also shared the first successful AI video generations, but strictly as raw base layers (without the UI screen composites or overlay graphics yet).

Step 4: The Reality of AI Video Workflows

While the initial raw AI generations looked impressive, getting the final polished result required heavy manual intervention. AI is not a "magic button" that spits out a finished commercial. We faced several micro-challenges:

• Re-prompting and Inpainting: The initial wide shot of the marketer's office was too cluttered. Distracting elements (random folders, an out-of-place mug) were pulling focus from the main subject. We had to regenerate and clean up the shot.
• Compositing Issues: In the shopper scene, the AI character's finger movements didn't naturally align with the UI screen we needed to track onto the phone. We had to regenerate the motion so the actress precisely tapped the bottom of the screen.

This phase required tight collaboration between the prompt engineers, the 3D artist, and the video editor. We deliberately separated the AI generation from the UI/graphics overlay. If we had tried to prompt the AI to generate the interface insidethe phone screen, it would have resulted in endless errors and visual artifacts.

Furthermore, the AI simply cannot handle the spatial complexity and precision of the custom 3D retail grid we built. Human-led VFX and compositing are still essential.

This project highlights how AI in video production still requires heavy manual intervention; while neural networks handle the base layers, human-led compositing is essential for professional results

Step 5: Sound Design & Final Polish

With the picture locked, we moved to audio. A high-end video with just background music and a VO feels flat.

To give the piece true depth, we brought in a Sound Designer to create a custom sonic profile. We added subtle Foley and SFX: UI clicks, window pop-ups, kinetic whooshes for camera movements, and environmental depth.

We aligned on a specific "High-Tech / Electronic" audio mood. This ensures the soundscape feels cohesive—avoiding the jarring effect of mixing "warm/acoustic" sounds with "cold/digital" visuals. We carefully mixed the audio, pushing key UI interactions to the foreground while keeping atmospheric elements subtle.

The Result

A premium, mixed-media commercial delivered on time and on budget. The final video is now proudly featured on the hero section of the client’s homepage.

Our AI animation services combined with traditional VFX expertise allowed us to deliver a premium commercial that usually takes months in just 4 weeks.

Testimonials

Austin Trunnell, VP of Revenue:

Lava Media took a complex B2B tech concept and turned it into a highly engaging, conversion-ready commercial in under 4 weeks. A flawless blend of speed, strategy, and execution.

Rachel Hansen, Director of Marketing:

True creative partners. They masterfully navigated the bleeding edge of AI and 3D graphics, turning our initial concept into a stunning visual asset. The level of polish and attention to detail is unmatched.

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