DTM Broadcast Branding

2021DTM3D Design

DTM’s broadcast identity turns the energy of racing into a graphic language that can carry both spectacle and a message. UnitedSenses developed the visual identity and sound for packaging and promotion. A dark blue environment and fluorescent yellow-green accents connect the cars, circuit and typography, allowing the main opener, Monza promo and DTM Classic sting to belong to one world at different lengths.

Main opener · 20 s · source audio retained

My contribution: 3D design within the UnitedSenses team.

Racing as graphic space

Scale creates the rhythm of the opener: a circuit establishes the contest, a cockpit portrait gives it a human focus, and mechanical detail brings the forces of racing close. Typography occupies the racing space so that “Feel the Roar” belongs to the action rather than arriving as a detached end message.

Restrained vehicle surfaces let illuminated edges carry the shape and direction of travel. The same contrast works in a wide formation of cars and in a tight view of a wheel, making changes of scale feel connected. Light becomes a structural device for recognition, depth and momentum.

Helmeted driver in a dark cockpit with white and yellow-green highlights along the helmet, gloves and suit

Close view of a race-car wheel with a yellow-green brake disc, bright circular rim and horizontal light lines

01 + 02Inside the cockpit · Mechanical detail

Yellow-green and dark blue racing cars in front of oversized ROAR lettering

03Typography in the racing world

Packaging and promotion

Promotion has a different information load from an opener. The Monza film gives season, driver, car and rule messages a place within the racing world before resolving to the event title. DTM Classic compresses the same identity into eight seconds, relying on the light treatment and logo resolve for immediate recognition.

Final films02

Monza race promo · 21.8 s
DTM Classic · short opener · 8 s

From storyboard to final frame

Storyboards and the animatic make the sequence’s hierarchy testable before every surface is finished. Planned camera positions connect pack racing, mechanical detail and typography; simplified cars and backgrounds keep attention on timing and composition. These stages explain how the final film’s shifts in scale are organised.

Hand-drawn storyboard of racing cars approaching a low camera beneath curved lines

Storyboard sketch of a car passing over other cars, with camera arrows and a speed-ramp note

Storyboard close-up of a glowing brake disc with a rotation arrow

Storyboard sketch of two cars racing side by side, with typography and camera notes

Storyboard sketch of a race car passing in front of large DTM lettering at the finish

Development material · work in progress02

Storyboard V01 · 20 s · silent source
Animatic V03 · 20 s

Recognition

Eyes & Ears 2021 — Silver, Best lead-in: Sports, awarded to DTM Monza Race Promo.

The animation and editing work emphasize the thrill and uncertainty of DTM races.

Credits

Client: DTM
3D Design: Matthias Lein
Agency: UnitedSenses
Creative Direction: Markus Schmidt
Art Direction: Alena Rebezova
Composition: Michael Kadelbach
Project Management: Sven Müller
Director TV & Production: Oliver Simon · ITR DTM

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