The Beat of the City: Reimagining the LA Metro Experience
Los Angeles is often defined by its gridlock. We measure distance in minutes, not miles. But beneath the red brake lights of the 405, there is a different rhythm.
As a designer and filmmaker, I’ve always been fascinated by the kinetic energy of public transit. For my latest personal project, I wanted to create a spec commercial for LA Metro that moved away from the standard corporate "utility" messaging and instead focused on feeling.
The result is "The Urban Symphony"—a 30-second visual exploration of the city’s heartbeat.
The Concept: Sound as a Driver
The initial brief I set for myself was simple: The sounds of the Metro create the beat that powers Los Angeles.
I wanted to capture the tactile nature of the commute—the slap of a TAP card, the heavy thrum of the wheels, the hiss of the hydraulics. Visually, I drew inspiration from the rhythmic editing of Edgar Wright and the atmospheric, high-contrast lighting often found in Christopher Nolan films. The goal was to make the Metro look cinematic, gritty, and vital.
The Process: "Kill Your Darlings"
Interestingly, the project started with a full script. I had a poetic voice-over written to guide the viewer through the narrative.
However, once the edit began to come together, I realized the visuals and the sound design were doing the heavy lifting. The rhythm of the cuts was the voice. In Product Design (UX), we often talk about removing friction—stripping away elements that don't add value.
I applied that same principle here. I muted the voice-over. Suddenly, the film breathed. The connection between the visuals and the music became visceral rather than explanatory.
The Tech Stack
This piece was created using a hybrid workflow of Generative AI and traditional editing techniques:
Visuals: Gemini and Grok (targeting a specific cinematic, 16:9 anamorphic lens aesthetic).
Edit: Adobe Premiere Rhythmic cutting synced to the beat.
Sound: Eleven Labs-A custom soundscape built from city field recordings and percussive beats.
Watch the Film
I hope this piece shifts your perspective on the daily commute, even just for a minute.
