In the spot, two Audis, one black, one white, race across a flat expanse of the California desert; leaving billowy dust clouds as they cut through the sand. Out near the horizon, a man and a woman, also arrayed in black and white, engage in an erotic, tango-like pas de deux, mimicking the swift, bold arcs made by the cars. The editorial pace quickens as the cars weave an ever-tightening circle around the couple and its dance reaches its final flourish.
Makhani and A Common Thread created the spot to showcase their prowess in automotive advertising. The piece, in fact, seamlessly includes nearly every technique common in car ads — high speed photography, aerials, crane shots, pursuit cars — not to mention the dazzling choreography of the dancers.
“We want people to know that we are leaders in running footage and running footage ads — in capturing gorgeous automotive imagery that requires beautiful lighting, beautiful photography and perfect execution,” A Common Thread executive producer, J.P. McMahon explained.
“Although this was a spec project, we made no compromises on the technical side,” said Makhani. Similarly, Makhani and A Common Thread assembled a first class crew that included choreographer Michael Silas, who previously worked as a dancer and choreographer for Lady Gaga.
Makhani originally came up with the concept for the ad two years ago and had been waiting for the right opportunity to pull it off. “The concept was inspired by a music track that I originally heard on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica,” Makhani said. “I liked the idea of cars emulating dancers. Later it became a dance off and, ultimately, a battle between the two.”
