AI-Powered Spec Commercial for Daren

Bas

Bas Dumoulin

AI-Powered Spec Commercial for Daren — 30s TVC

An AI-realization of a commercial concept first imagined in 2013 by THE Agency (Istanbul). Using Runway, After Effects, Midjourney, Freepik + more tools to bring a premium, nature-driven ad idea to life.
The initial idea by The Agency Istanbul (2013)
The initial idea by The Agency Istanbul (2013)

Origin & Challenge

The idea came from THE Agency (Istanbul) back in 2013. At the time, it couldn’t be produced—either filming in South Africa in the bloom season, or building ultra-realistic 3D nature environments exceeded the budget. In 2024 I decided to experiment: could AI tools finally make it feasible? This project is my first spec commercial, a proof-of-concept.
Initial style frames
Initial style frames

Tools & Workflow

• Generated imagery using Midjourney and Freepik, polished in Photoshop
• Video generation & refinement via Runway Gen3, Hailuo Minimax, Luma Labs, with final polish in After Effects
• Editing in Premiere Pro
• Voice over generated in ElevenLabs
• Music composition via Suno AI

Process & Timing

Concept & storyboard redevelopment based on the 2013 original idea
First drafts, style frames, feedback and iteration
Rough cut → refinement → final polish
Project duration: about 1-2 weeks, depending on feedback speed

Outcome & What I Learned

Delivered a nearly production-quality spec commercial within the constraints of AI tools & budget
Reinforced that ambitious ideas can be revived via AI + modern tools
It’s experimental, yes—yet effective enough that I’m pushing on to more complex projects

Final Result:

Daren TVC
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Posted Sep 16, 2025

Created an AI-powered spec commercial for Daren using various digital tools.