You would know this Marc, is it actually worth the cost to do this for real rather than CGI for the intended usage, i.e. tv adverts? Or is indeed cheaper?
It depends on the effect Ben.
As mentioned in the video, this is primarily table-top work where it is quite often the same or less expensive than CGI, and usually faster to produce.
It is when you get into larger productions, or ones that feature something that does not exist, that CGI becomes the more economical method ... although they did show cars bashing into one another.
In some cases, you have to legally use the actual product, like with food for example.
IMO, if it can be done for real, there is still something to be said for authenticity ... which is why places like that still exist.
I've done some CGI that sounded good on paper, but left a lot to be desired ... which you do not know until it is too late and you have run out of money. Shooting footage for real, you usually know right away and can make adjustments.
BTW, footage like this and CGI are often used together ... it isn't always one or the other.
-Marc