The story
What if a corporate convention opened like a Hollywood blockbuster?
For a corporate event celebrating the magic of cinema, Belgian event agency Nouvelle Dimension entrusted us with creating an opening sequence designed to set the tone from the very first moments of the show.
Held at Lotto Mons Expo, the convention brought together employees of a Belgian company operating in the energy management sector, around a theme inspired by some of cinema’s greatest classics.
Our mission was to create a cinematic introduction that would bridge the gap between a fictional sequence projected on screen and a spectacular live entrance on stage.
And what better way to achieve that than with one of cinema’s most legendary cars?
A flying DeLorean, a presenter ready to defy the laws of physics and a generous dose of digital special effects: all the ingredients were there for a memorable journey.
A little behind-the-scenes story: this project also marked Romain’s debut at waaaw.studio. Back then, he was a final-year intern. Today, he’s a member of our team.
Quite an entrance… for him too!
The Challenge
Landing a flying DeLorean at Lotto Mons Expo… without damaging the car park!
The concept was based on an idea as simple as it was ambitious: create a video sequence in which the convention’s host, comedian and actor Richard Ruben, arrives aboard a flying DeLorean, directly inspired by the world of Back to the Future.
In our cinematic sequence, the vehicle flies through the air, soars over Lotto Mons Expo, begins its descent and approaches the building’s entrance.
But the real challenge lay at the point where the screen meets the stage.
At the precise moment the video sequence ends, Richard Ruben appears before the audience… behind the wheel of a real DeLorean customised in the spirit of the film!
A perfectly timed transition between fiction and reality, designed to surprise the audience from the very beginning of the convention.
To bring this idea to life, we combined several audiovisual production techniques.
A DeLorean entirely modelled in 3D
We created a 3D model of the iconic vehicle, allowing us to animate it freely in flight and integrate it into live-action footage.
The digital modelling process aimed to recreate the instantly recognisable aesthetic of this cinematic icon.
Aerial footage and motion tracking
We captured drone footage of Lotto Mons Expo and its surroundings to obtain real-world images of the venue.
This footage then served as the foundation for compositing and motion tracking, allowing us to integrate the virtual DeLorean into its environment while maintaining consistent camera movements.
A green screen shoot with Richard Ruben
To place the presenter at the heart of our sequence, we also organised a green screen shoot.
The actor’s footage was then integrated into the cinematic sequence using keying and compositing techniques.
Synchronising video with live performance
The final step, and certainly not the least challenging, was coordinating the end of the animation with the real DeLorean’s arrival on stage.
Because in this kind of production, a delay of just a few seconds can be enough to break the illusion.
A serious exercise in precision, technology and coordination… with just a hint of time travel!
The WAAAW Effect
When cinema steps off the screen and onto the stage!
The result? A convention opening where digital special effects and live performance came together as one seamless experience.
By synchronising the virtual DeLorean’s arrival with its real-life appearance, we helped create a moment of surprise and continuity between the projected images and the live stage.
Our team was also present in the control room during the event to help ensure the smooth execution of this opening sequence.
This project perfectly illustrates our approach to event productions: putting technology at the service of a powerful idea by combining 3D animation, VFX, filming and live staging.
And above all, reminding us that with a little imagination, the boundaries between fiction and reality can become surprisingly thin.
No need to reach 88 miles per hour to unleash the WAAAW effect!
What if your next event became a real blockbuster?
VFX, 3D animation, filming and digital special effects: let’s bring cinematic impact to your events. Corporate conventions, product launches, live shows or immersive experiences: together, let’s create a sequence that surprises your audience and brings your boldest ideas to life.
Let’s Talk About Your Project!