Visual Effects

In 20th Century Studios’ Free Guy, the lines between real and digital are deliberately blurred, with the focus jumping between live-action and CG based on the point of view of the characters. For the filmmakers, it was like creating two movies in one, each requiring different visual effects techniques, from replacing actors with digi-doubles to creating entirely computer-generated cities. To take on that challenge, 20th Century Studios turned to veteran VFX house and Oscar winner Digital Domain. [Editor’s Note: Warning, this article contains spoilers.]

In Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, the title character confronts the demons of her past in a spectacular – and explosive – fashion. After discovering a flying fortress hidden in the clouds, the Avenger puts on a master class in destruction, leading to an airborne battle with heroes and villains dodging flaming wreckage as they approach terminal velocity. It’s one of the most visually complex and technically demanding scenes ever seen on film, made possible by Marvel Studios’ longtime collaborator, Digital Domain. [Editor’s Note: Warning. This article contains spoilers.]

As a senior data wrangler at Rising Sun Pictures, Brittany Herriman helps keep the studio’s production pipeline running in high gear. Her role is to manage the vast amounts of data exchanged each day between RSP and motion pictures studios and other production partners. Media arriving at the studio must be accessible to artists working in various aspects of visual effects production. Finished work needs to be delivered on time and on spec to stakeholders around the globe.