Project Brief

Computer generated visual effects / simulations are increasingly used in media, creating breathtaking visual experiences which could not be achieved through normal means, as seen in many disaster movies where whole continents can be destroyed. I approve the use of these effects for such grand scale projects but I have a problem when such work needlessly replaces stunt or effect teams on set, as it is jarringly noticeable to a trained eye.

Personally this has the effect of pulling me out of the performance when I know that a character has been replaced with a 3D model and is in no danger. I do understand why this practice is common place now as it is generally replacing expensive and dangerous stunt work, or when attempting to film scenes in inaccessible locations.

However I believe that a hybrid approach is needed to make the best of these different practices, and I have seen some interesting use of a combination of real footage and simulated effects in film, which works well in films such as Life of Pi.

Life of Pi was filmed in a large indoor swimming pool, giving realism to the water in close shots and allowing simulation to handle the rest. This film and another, The Perfect Storm, also used a method where the boat and water sprayed unto the actors was real but the rest of the scene was rendered around them.

I decided to dedicate this project to replicating oceanic simulation I've seen in films such as Life of Pi, The Perfect Storm and others. I choose this area specifically because it fulfills my personal criteria for what visual effects should be used for.