Tiny Car, Big Vision
How Doozy Crew turned a production setback into a fast-paced, miniature-scale success story
Monday, October 14, 2024
Tiny Car, Big Vision
Written by
Cinematographer
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. And sometimes, those twists lead to some of your most creative work.That was the case with Race to Rancho, a promotional video we created for YKK AP to celebrate the launch of their new facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Originally envisioned as a high-energy shoot with a real NASCAR driver, full-size car footage, and a Russian arm vehicle tracking the action, the project took a hard turn when the driver was sidelined by a race-day accident just weeks before production.With deadlines looming and logistics off the table, we had to pivot—fast.
Rewriting the Race: From NASCAR to Miniature
Rather than scrap the idea, we reimagined it. The spirit of the video was speed, movement, and momentum—and we realized we could still capture that without ever setting foot on a racetrack.
Our solution? A miniature race car, a treadmill, and a TV screen.
The treadmill became the track
The TV became our dynamic digital backdrop
And macro lenses turned a plastic model into a full-scale vehicle on screen
We engineered every shot for realism—carefully framing and lighting the miniature in ways that tricked the eye and elevated the production value. From tight close-ups to smooth dolly-style passes, we treated the shoot like we would any full-scale automotive spot.
Built in Post
To tie it all together, we layered in macro footage, b-roll, and clever visual pacing to make the miniature race car feel like it was storming toward the Rancho facility. The final edit was sleek, fast, and fun—a perfect high-energy teaser for the facility launch.
What could’ve been a canceled shoot turned into a quirky, resourceful, and well-loved piece that delivered on its original intent in an unexpected way.
Lessons from the Treadmill
This project was a reminder that when production plans fall apart, creative thinking wins the day. With the right gear, some ingenuity, and a little forced perspective, we raced our way to the finish line anyway.
And YKK AP got the video they needed—on time, on brand, and entirely unforgettable.
More articles
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Written by
Grant Smucker
Blade Meets Bot
How Doozy Crew used robotic camera moves and seamless editing to bring knife customization to life
When Rick Hinderer Knives asked us to create a video that showcased the customization options for their high-end knives, we knew we had to match the craftsmanship of the product with visuals that were equally refined. Their knives aren’t just tools—they’re deeply personal objects. Every detail, from the scales and clips to the screws and tabs, can be swapped out and tailored to the owner’s preferences. So our challenge was clear: make that modularity feel tactile, elegant, and exciting on screen.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Written by
Grant Smucker
Mission in Motion
Doozy Crew Partners with Lifeline Christian Mission to Amplify Global Impact Through Visual Storytelling
In today’s content-driven world, storytelling has become one of the most powerful ways to inspire action—and few stories are more worth telling than those of lives being changed around the globe. Doozy Crew, a video production team known for cinematic, heartfelt storytelling, partnered with Lifeline Christian Mission to bring these moments to life on screen.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Written by
Molly Radigan
When Story Meets Purpose
Behind the Scenes of the Boss Money x Jonathan Mensah Campaign
Boss Money, a pioneering platform simplifying money transfers, joined forces with Doozy Crew to create a commercia featuring Jonathan Mensah, the esteemed soccer player from the Columbus Crew team.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Written by
Molly Radigan
Lighting Up the Arena
Doozy Crew’s Motion Graphics Magic for the Detroit Pistons
For the past three years, Doozy Crew has forged a dynamic partnership with the Detroit Pistons, infusing Little Caesars Arena with captivating motion graphic elements that amplify the energy and intensity of NBA games.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Written by
Grant Smucker
Specify Confidence
Four videos. One shoot day. Zero missed deadlines.
Creating Architect-Focused Comedy with YKK AP When YKK AP came to Doozy Crew with a bold ask—build a campaign that connects with architects in a memorable, engaging way—we knew we wanted to do something that would break out of the traditional mold of product videos and spec sheets. So we leaned into something architects don’t often see in their inbox: comedy.
Tiny Car, Big Vision
How Doozy Crew turned a production setback into a fast-paced, miniature-scale success story
Monday, October 14, 2024
Tiny Car, Big Vision
Written by
Cinematographer
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. And sometimes, those twists lead to some of your most creative work.That was the case with Race to Rancho, a promotional video we created for YKK AP to celebrate the launch of their new facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Originally envisioned as a high-energy shoot with a real NASCAR driver, full-size car footage, and a Russian arm vehicle tracking the action, the project took a hard turn when the driver was sidelined by a race-day accident just weeks before production.With deadlines looming and logistics off the table, we had to pivot—fast.
Rewriting the Race: From NASCAR to Miniature
Rather than scrap the idea, we reimagined it. The spirit of the video was speed, movement, and momentum—and we realized we could still capture that without ever setting foot on a racetrack.
Our solution? A miniature race car, a treadmill, and a TV screen.
The treadmill became the track
The TV became our dynamic digital backdrop
And macro lenses turned a plastic model into a full-scale vehicle on screen
We engineered every shot for realism—carefully framing and lighting the miniature in ways that tricked the eye and elevated the production value. From tight close-ups to smooth dolly-style passes, we treated the shoot like we would any full-scale automotive spot.
Built in Post
To tie it all together, we layered in macro footage, b-roll, and clever visual pacing to make the miniature race car feel like it was storming toward the Rancho facility. The final edit was sleek, fast, and fun—a perfect high-energy teaser for the facility launch.
What could’ve been a canceled shoot turned into a quirky, resourceful, and well-loved piece that delivered on its original intent in an unexpected way.
Lessons from the Treadmill
This project was a reminder that when production plans fall apart, creative thinking wins the day. With the right gear, some ingenuity, and a little forced perspective, we raced our way to the finish line anyway.
And YKK AP got the video they needed—on time, on brand, and entirely unforgettable.
More articles
Blade Meets Bot
How Doozy Crew used robotic camera moves and seamless editing to bring knife customization to life
Mission in Motion
Doozy Crew Partners with Lifeline Christian Mission to Amplify Global Impact Through Visual Storytelling
When Story Meets Purpose
Behind the Scenes of the Boss Money x Jonathan Mensah Campaign
Lighting Up the Arena
Doozy Crew’s Motion Graphics Magic for the Detroit Pistons
Specify Confidence
Four videos. One shoot day. Zero missed deadlines.
Tiny Car, Big Vision
How Doozy Crew turned a production setback into a fast-paced, miniature-scale success story
Monday, October 14, 2024
Tiny Car, Big Vision
Written by
Cinematographer
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. And sometimes, those twists lead to some of your most creative work.That was the case with Race to Rancho, a promotional video we created for YKK AP to celebrate the launch of their new facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Originally envisioned as a high-energy shoot with a real NASCAR driver, full-size car footage, and a Russian arm vehicle tracking the action, the project took a hard turn when the driver was sidelined by a race-day accident just weeks before production.With deadlines looming and logistics off the table, we had to pivot—fast.
Rewriting the Race: From NASCAR to Miniature
Rather than scrap the idea, we reimagined it. The spirit of the video was speed, movement, and momentum—and we realized we could still capture that without ever setting foot on a racetrack.
Our solution? A miniature race car, a treadmill, and a TV screen.
The treadmill became the track
The TV became our dynamic digital backdrop
And macro lenses turned a plastic model into a full-scale vehicle on screen
We engineered every shot for realism—carefully framing and lighting the miniature in ways that tricked the eye and elevated the production value. From tight close-ups to smooth dolly-style passes, we treated the shoot like we would any full-scale automotive spot.
Built in Post
To tie it all together, we layered in macro footage, b-roll, and clever visual pacing to make the miniature race car feel like it was storming toward the Rancho facility. The final edit was sleek, fast, and fun—a perfect high-energy teaser for the facility launch.
What could’ve been a canceled shoot turned into a quirky, resourceful, and well-loved piece that delivered on its original intent in an unexpected way.
Lessons from the Treadmill
This project was a reminder that when production plans fall apart, creative thinking wins the day. With the right gear, some ingenuity, and a little forced perspective, we raced our way to the finish line anyway.
And YKK AP got the video they needed—on time, on brand, and entirely unforgettable.
More articles
Blade Meets Bot
How Doozy Crew used robotic camera moves and seamless editing to bring knife customization to life
Mission in Motion
Doozy Crew Partners with Lifeline Christian Mission to Amplify Global Impact Through Visual Storytelling
When Story Meets Purpose
Behind the Scenes of the Boss Money x Jonathan Mensah Campaign
Lighting Up the Arena
Doozy Crew’s Motion Graphics Magic for the Detroit Pistons
Specify Confidence
Four videos. One shoot day. Zero missed deadlines.
We transform brands.
Your success is next.
Start your project now by booking a one-on-one consultation with our expert.
Meet the partners who are part of our success story
We transform brands.
Your success is next.
Start your project now by booking a one-on-one consultation with our expert.
Meet the partners who are part of our success story
We transform brands.
Your success is next.
Start your project now by booking a one-on-one consultation with our expert.
Meet the partners who are part of our success story