Hi network-iron,

Let's start with the detailed Model.
Here is a little example of how I would handle the detail shots.

CV4_2024_drs_24_MGcw_01.c4d

Screenshot 2024-05-18 at 11.29.16 AM.jpg

From that Model, you can render the wave "texture" for the shots with less detail required. If not differentiable, I prefer Texture, Bump/Displacement, and geometry for the very detailed shots only.

As the saying goes, get your money (time investment) on the screen; if it is not visible, don't bother with details. 😉

Of course, a lot is possible if you use Multi Instances or RS Proxies.
I have not seen the storyboard, which would help develop a strategy. Developing an option for all thinkable cases would require more time and may produce too much that will never be used. I guess that is you idea already.

Once the audience has seen the details, then – for the not-so-detailed shots, a little resemblance is often enough to "sell" the shots with less detailed attention. Once a detail is understood, the audience often relies on memory.

Cheers

Thank you very much, network-iron, for taking the time.

Yes, there are a few ways, each with a specific quality. Every question here is special to me, and I like to answer in kind.

I'm glad there was one that works for you.

When I get a question here, I often get only the end, the middle, or just the end (the roadblock) of the whole story. Problems often start earlier, so I like to share and feel my way through the replies to understand the best (possible) answer.

Thank you for taking the time.

My best wishes for your project