NIO Concepts

Ahead of Brazil’s new internet provider rollout, we were brought in to help shape the visual identity of a playful, balloon-filled world. The final balloons would be fully crafted in 3D, but getting there required fast, detailed concepting that could align casting, design and story across teams.

We used AI from the start to accelerate and visualise ideas. First, we generated the real-life cast — photo-real characters that helped the team and client decide on the look and feel of the talent. Once the casting was approved, we derived balloon versions of each person directly from those faces, already matched in likeness, tone and expression.

The same approach applied to the on-screen talent of the film. We built AI versions of their faces and bodies, then used that as the base to evolve their balloon doubles. Texture, reflectivity, colour, and costume were adjusted with input from the director and agency until every character felt just right.

These AI-generated frames became the visual reference for both live-action shooting and 3D production, saving time, unlocking clarity early, and allowing more energy to go into refining the final look instead of chasing it later.