Initial release:
August 14, 2020
Directors:
Ariel Schulman
Henry Joost
Distributed by:
Netflix
Produced by:
Eric Newman
Bryan Unkeless
VFX :
Framestore
Role:
Paint & Roto
My second major project at Framestore Montreal was working on the Netflix film “Project Power.” This action-packed superhero thriller presented unique visual effects challenges, but none more demanding than the infamous ice sequence.
The Ice Sequence Challenge
The ice sequence stood out as the most complex and time-consuming shot in my work on the film. The scene featured rapidly flickering lights, which created a mesmerizing but technically challenging visual effect. However, these flickering lights also revealed an unwanted element: reflections of the camera crew in the ice.
My primary task was to meticulously erase these reflections while maintaining the integrity of the scene. This proved to be a delicate balancing act. The constant light changes meant that each frame had to be addressed individually, requiring an immense attention to detail and a steady hand.
Reconstruction and Creative Problem-Solving
Beyond simply removing the reflections, a significant portion of the scene needed to be reconstructed. This reconstruction work pushed my creative problem-solving skills to their limits. I had to carefully analyze the existing elements of the scene and seamlessly recreate missing parts, ensuring that every added detail matched the original shot’s lighting, texture, and overall atmosphere.
The flickering lights added another layer of complexity to this reconstruction process. Each recreated element had to react correctly to the changing light conditions, maintaining consistency with the rest of the scene.
Learning and Growth
This project, particularly the ice sequence, was a turning point in my career. It demanded that I push beyond my existing skills and develop new techniques on the fly. I found myself diving deep into advanced paint and roto techniques, experimenting with different approaches until I found solutions that worked.
The experience taught me the value of persistence and the importance of breaking down seemingly insurmountable tasks into manageable pieces. It also reinforced the collaborative nature of VFX work, as I often consulted with colleagues and supervisors to troubleshoot particularly tricky frames.
A Rewarding Outcome
Despite the challenges, or perhaps because of them, working on “Project Power” was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the final sequence on screen, seamless and captivating, filled me with a sense of pride and accomplishment. This project not only enhanced my technical skills but also boosted my confidence in tackling complex VFX challenges.
The ice sequence in “Project Power” remains a highlight of my portfolio, a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and technical skill in the world of visual effects.
