| Physical models
The monsters were created and brought to life by Framestore CFC, the largest visual effects and computer animation studio in Europe. Here they explain how they achieve their stunning effects: We are sent a model, roughly 1 metre long, of each creature. These are sculpted in clay and cast in a plastic resin by the time they reach us. This gives the final creature a natural look and lots of surface detail. Cyberscanning We start our CG process by scanning the model with high powered laser scanning equipment. This gives us a high resolution representation of the model as computer data in 3d space. CG modelling and look development Our modellers use this data to make a CG model of the creature. They can adapt the model where necessary to make sure that it is the desired size and shape. Our texture artists and technical directors work on the surface of the creature, (eg. its skin, eyes, teeth, claws, fur and muscles) and make sure that it looks realistic. We make a "rig", like bones, that allows us to control how it moves or animates. Filming for CG Our supervisors work on set with the director, his crew and the actors. We help plan how the CG creature will look in the finished shot. We also take lots of detailed info that will help us to make the CG creature fit in the shot as realistically as possible. Animation Our animators move the CG creatures though each shot. They are like puppeteers - giving the creature character and action. These actions are recorded using animation software. CG lighting and compositing We make sure that the CG lighting on the creature matches the real lighting in each shot. Our compositors use special software to paint and add in all the details that will make the CG creature look like it is really alive and in the shot: footprints, dust, water splashes, and even blood and saliva! |
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