Lernert and Sander's new Sony spot uses turtle jockeys to show off its Action Cam

Lernert and Sander sure now how to make tech look fun: by strapping it onto the back of a turtle, and making him shoot a bunch of running dogs. The Dutch directorial duo’s new 60-second spot shows off the power of Sony’s Action Cam. “The camera is so simple to use that it could even be used by a turtle, which is how the concept came about,” they say.

Working with Morihiro Harano of Mori Inc and production company Hornet, Lernert and Sander set about making five turtles into little shelled jockeys, riding a set of beautiful hounds. We’re ensured that “no turtles or dogs were harmed in the making of this film. All animals were professionally supervised on set by American Humane Association and the turtles on the dogs’ backs are custom designed robotic puppets.”

It’s a very clever and very slickly shot, contrasting the dogs’ gloriously shaggy coats with bright pops of colour and superbly sharp racing footage. “The everyday life of a turtle is shockingly boring,” says Sander, “especially if you were to film it. The dogs add action, but the capability of the camera retains the turtle’s slowed perspective. It’s able to capture the glorious slow motion of the dogs’ bouncing hair as they race down the track, as well as the glorious photo finish.”