KORB brings Chivas Regal 18 to life with elegant visual storytelling
The collaboration between KORB and WeSayHi for Chivas Regal 18 stands as a striking example of how CGI can elevate a brand’s identity with a refined visual language. The project demanded a blend of luxury and artistic precision, where every digital frame had to reflect the sophistication synonymous with the Chivas Regal name. Director Rankin’s live action footage set a dramatic and elegant foundation, which KORB’s CGI work enhanced with surreal finesse, ensuring the virtual elements felt not just complementary but indispensable.
A key visual highlight of the campaign was the creation of a fully CGI, photorealistic peacock. This majestic bird, a symbol often associated with opulence, was carefully designed with feathers that subtly integrated the Chivas Regal emblem. The complexity lay not only in making the peacock appear lifelike but also in achieving graceful, naturalistic movement that didn’t compromise the branding. This required an advanced feather rigging system and precise animation techniques that allowed the logo to shine without overtaking the realism of the creature.
Beyond the peacock, the project introduced other natural motifs, such as butterflies, which added an ethereal quality to the visuals. These delicate elements were animated to move with a sense of weightlessness and harmony, mirroring the smooth experience of sipping a premium whisky. Their presence also served to reinforce the campaign’s themes of beauty, elegance, and layered richness.
A defining technical achievement was the fluid simulation work. To represent the Chivas Regal 18 whisky as a liquid metaphor for luxury, KORB developed liquid dynamics that mimicked molten gold. Each splash and swirl was crafted with intent—to catch the light, highlight the whisky’s deep amber color, and evoke a tactile sense of richness. These simulations were not only visually compelling but also key in creating an emotional connection with viewers, drawing them into the sensory world of the product.
High-resolution product shots were treated with an obsessive level of detail. From the glint of the glass to the metallic sheen of the label, every component was rendered with clarity and polish. This meticulous approach ensured that the brand’s prestige was communicated instantly and unmistakably. Each frame served as a visual endorsement of the whisky’s premium character, crafted to appeal to discerning viewers around the globe.
KORB’s approach to this project reflects their broader philosophy—merging artistic storytelling with technical mastery. Their ability to harmonize complex CGI elements with live action cinematography produced a campaign that was not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant. The final product is a testament to the power of digital artistry in luxury branding, where every detail contributes to a cohesive narrative of refinement and excellence.
All images courtesy of KORB
