Technical Achievement Award
FQ Developers Jim Vanns and Marks Hills picked up a Technical Achievement Award at The Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards last week. Since it launched 15 years ago, FQ has unlocked the creative possibilities of over 120 films including Gravity, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Blade Runner 2049, Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore and Guardians of the Galaxy. It has underpinned the delivery of ever increasingly complex, photo-realistic visual effects that have made whole worlds, creatures and environments a reality for some of the World’s greatest storytellers. This award is a great achievement not just for Jim and Mark but also for our Systems Engineering Team who continue to maintain and improve FQ with each iteration to ensure it continues to power us well into the future. Our achievement was also mentioned in this recent article by The Hollywood Reporter.
I do believe in fairies, I do! I do!
Your next adventure is closer than you think! Disney have released the trailer for David Lowery’s Peter Pan and Wendy. The film features our very special brand of pixie dust thanks to a stellar team of artists in MTL and MUM. You’ll be able to stream it on Disney+ from April 28th.
As well as the trailer, a spiffy poster promoting the film was also released – take a look below!
Get Freaky with Hummer
NBA legend LeBron James returned to join forces with a thrill-seeking CG crab for GMC Hummer during the 2023 All-Star game. Our CHI team focused on animating the crabs with fidelity and detail, and used a stand-in model for the shoot that was 3D printed, painted and rigged with wires. It was so accurate to post assets that it gave the team the perfect reference throughout the VFX process.
Never Walk Alone
A year since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the Disasters Emergency Committee has launched a powerful spot invoking hope amidst the devastation. ‘Never Walk Alone‘ sees Framestore team up with Don’t Panic, with grade by Company 3. The campaign received 5 stars from David Reviews and was named Shots ad of the week.
Press
LA Times
The LA Times takes a look at this year’s contenders for the VFX Oscar, with input from Production VFX Supervisor on the incredible invisible VFX of Top Gun: Maverick. Read all about it here.
Variety
Variety gives us the lowdown on their critics’ best sequels ever made and, as you’d expect, numerous Framestore and Method titles have made the grade, including (deep breath…) Blade Runner: 2049, Avengers: Infinity War, Top Gun: Maverick, Paddington 2, Thor: Ragnarok and The Dark Knight. Check out the full list here.
In other news
VAN Environment and DMP Social
Last week, the VAN Environment and DMP teams enjoyed a night out filled with games and friendly competitions. It’s great to see you all out and about!
VAN WIP Screening
The studio enjoyed seeing all the incredible work from around the globe.
VES Pub Night in VAN
The VAN studio is kicking off its first VES VAN Pub Night of 2023 sponsored by Framestore! Join them at Brewhall on March 7th at 6:30PM for drinks, appetisers and great company. Let’s show VAN how we do pub nights! RSVP here.
You’re all caught up for this week! Please remember that the MUM studio will observe Holi on Tuesday, 7th March!
