David Coulthard Breaks Into Johannesburg’s Kyalami Racetrack to See If Red Bull’s RB7 Car Has What It Takes

Iconic Agency was tasked with creating a global statement highlighting Oracle Red Bull Racing’s support of bringing a Formula 1 event back to Africa. The story follows F1 legend David Coulthard as he breaks into Johannesburg’s hallowed Kyalami racetrack to see if Red Bull’s RB7 car has what it takes. The four minute heist story is part action-epic, part comedy and all thrills as David gets more than he bargained for when he finally gets the car on the track.

“South Africa is such a melting pot of diversity, we also wanted to celebrate our local culture and humour,” said Andrew Kirkby, executive creative director, Iconic Agency. “We turned to master storyteller Sam Coleman, whose narrative style really captures the nuances and heart of Johannesburg to create a proudly South African short film that appeals to a mainstream audience beyond motorsport. We have living legend race driver David Coulthard and also beloved South African comedian Jam Jam and national Gusheshe drifting champ Sam Sam.”

Sam, whose work includes award-winning spots for VW, On Running and most recently Allan Gray, was instantly captivated with the project. “The script read like an action movie,” Sam said. “Helicopters, Formula 1 cars, a legendary F1 champion driver, but then also a healthy dose of unique South African culture and comedy all set in a city I love - Joburg. It was irresistible. Red Bull are an incredibly ambitious partner with high expectations, but equally, they are supportive and brave. They love what they do and that energy is infectious. Stepping into their world was exhilarating.”

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Q> What was your approach with this story?

Sam> My instinct was to bring Johannesburg right into the fabric of the script, up close and personal. The opening line of the script described a Red Bull Formula 1 car dangling from a chopper with the Johannesburg city skyline in the background, but I didn’t want the car to be removed from the city so the approach was to find ways of making it more immediate and visceral. We wanted the spectacle to get as close as possible to the city and its legendary inhabitants.

Q> Explain that spectacular opening shot.

Sam> It was done in camera. We did extensive aerial recces of Joburg to find the most iconic and recognisable views of the city to give us an entry point for the story. This exact spot on this little rise looking over the city was it, with the infamous Ponte Tower on one side and the Hillbrow Tower on the other. It’s definitely a nod to Spielberg with the car rising up slowly behind the spaza shop! But it was a really tricky one to pull off, as the car and the chopper had to take off while hidden and at the same lifting a priceless F1 car. 

Q> What were the technical challenges on this shoot?

Sam> Undoubtedly the task of coordinating everything. At various points we were juggling the Formula 1 car, the chopper, and security guards giving chase in a golf cart all in the same shot. With everything being filmed on multiple cameras it really was a feat of timing and collaboration with Red Bull racing, the aerial team who were flying both FPV and more conventional drones, and the camera department. Just one of these F1 cars has team of around 20 techs around it at all times to ensure it performs as it needs too so you can imagine all the manpower involved. Massive credit to our AD Carey Lagoe who calmly made harmony out of the chaos.

Q> Take us through those drone shots.

Darkwing Aerials> Coming into the production we knew it was going to be a massive challenge given the sheer number of variables at play. From the high speeds, multiple vehicles and drones in the air, flying debris, to unpredictable conditions, there was no room for error. It was all about prep and with the clarity from Sam’s storyboards we set to work building the fastest FPV drone we could within the timeframe and managed to get a top speed of 210km/h. We only had a few laps allocated to race the F1 car around the track so we had it get it right quickly! We had two dedicated drone teams on-site, one operating a DJI Inspire 3 and another operating a Red Komodo Cinelifter FPV. Veteran DP Werner Maritz was a guiding light and pulled it all together in his usual unflappable way.