The magic behind The Wheel of Time💫
This week we released our breakdown reel for The Wheel of Time season 2 showcasing our previs and VFX work. Our studio in LDN delivered 520 visual effects shots across the eight episodes in the series, lending their skills across pre-production, environment and effects simulations. FPS, led by Visualisation Supervisor, Michelle Blok, helped to define the methodology behind the complex shoot, and assisted in look development to bring directors Sanaa Hamri and Thomas Napper’s visions to life. Final VFX, meanwhile, was overseen by VFX Supervisor Patricia Llaguno, whose team brought to life an array of striking environments, action sequences and cool-as-heck FX moments.
A Monster Trailer
Catch the new trailer for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
Apple TV+’s 10 episode series based on Legendary’s Monsterverse franchise features fearsome creatures and FX work from our VAN team lead by VFX Supervisor, Arek Komorowski.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premieres on November 17 on Apple TV+.
Dive Deep into Heart of Stone
Get to the blimp! We shared a case study exploring the showstopping work behind Netflix’s Heart of Stone. Our teams in VAN and MUM expertly executed a series of challenging action sequences, with work spanning intricate asset creation and digidoubles, to spectacularly-detailed explosions and large-scale destruction scenes.
Read the full case study here.
Press
BBC London Meets Framestore
Over the past two weeks we’ve been celebrating ten years of Gravity. More than an Oscar win and more than a jaw-dropping cinematic spectacle, the film helped reframe what audiences could expect from VFX – and what clients could expect from Framestore. Last Friday saw BBC London broadcast a special segment on the film, with CEO, Film & Episodic Fiona Walkinshaw and CCO Tim Webber explaining how the film helped break the mould, and the impact it has had on both Framestore and the wider VFX industry.
ScreenRant Exclusive
We gave ScreenRant the exclusive this week on The Wheel of Time breakdown reel and shared our insights into the creation of some of the series biggest set pieces, from the intricate weaves of the One Power and the building of the city of Falme, to the giant flaming dragon that pronounces Rand al’Thor to the world as the Dragon Reborn.
Read the full article here.
Deadline | Framestore Hires Long-time Ridley Scott Collaborator
Deadline reports our newest hire, Gary Brozenich in the role, Production Side VFX Supervisor working internationally. Joining the LDN studio, Gary brings expertise from 22 years in the industry and is set to bolster our already accomplished team of supervisors.
Read the full article here.
All the Right Movies | Gravity
Framestore collaborated with All The Right Movies, a popular Twitter profile and podcast to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Gravity. Read their Twitter thread dedicated to the film and hear Tim Webber talk about the making of on their podcast here.
Events
View Conference
Production VFX Supervisor, Glen Pratt and Director of Global Talent Development, Simon Devereux made a splash at View Conference in Turin this week. Glen gave an exclusive prerecorded talk on the virtual production, visdev and VFX used in Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster Barbie, and Simon delivering a workshop on inclusive hiring and fostering diversity within the VFX industry and taking part in the The Future of Education: Spaghetti and Icebergs panel,
SXSW Sydney
Futurist/ Creative Technologist, Johannes Saam appeared at SXSW Sydney this week to explore how AI technology can help you create visuals that were once thought impossible, without breaking the bank or relying on huge production teams. He, alongside other experts, shared tips and tricks to help you integrate AI tech into your workflow, and offered insights into the latest tools and techniques for bringing your visual ideas to life.
Cinemagic Conference
Animation Supervisor Nathan McConnel shared his character animation insights at Cinemagic Conference in Belfast this week. Nathan explored the techniques he used to get CG characters pulling on some very real heartstrings in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Digital Hollywood
Futurist/Creative Technologist, Johannes Saam, also attended The Digital Hollywood Digital Summit “AI Bill of Rights, Ethics and Law” speak on the “Protection & Monetisation of IP in Generative AI Universe: Developing Software Strategies” panel! Johannes joined a revered lineup of speakers who sat down to answer the question: Is there a way to use AI technology as a secret weapon against the AI invasion itself?
Watch the panel here.
Awards
Televisual Magazine’s Bulldog Awards
Voting has opened for the 19th annual Bulldog Awards to celebrate the very best of British television and we are proud to say that Black Mirror season 6 and His Dark Materials season 3 has been nominated for Best VFX category. Be sure to register and make your voice heard!
Cast your votes here.
In other news
Framestore Podcast ‘Black Futures Special’
The Framestore Podcast release another 2 episodes this week, our usual host Simon Devereux was joined by Framestore Technology Strategist, Lorna Dumba and Company 3’s LA based Senior Vice President for Global HR & DEI, Jimi Vaughn. Lorna, who has been working in VFX since 2007, and Jimi discuss with Simon their work in technology, the importance of embracing change, and how we can demonstrate empathy by walking in the shoes of others.
Listen to all episodes now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Judging The Immortal Awards
This week the LDN studio in collaboration with Company 3 hosted the Immortal Awards UK judging panel. CCO, Mike McGee had the pleasure of being on the judging panel this year, helping to select the top 5 projects from the UK to go through to the finals.
NIMONA: Ask the Filmmakers
This week our LDN Studio hosted NIMONA directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, as well as creator of the original graphic novel, ND Stevenson. Big thanks to Animation Supervisor Kayn Garcia for hosting this special session and to Tori Stockdale for organising the event!
Meditation in MUM
In the spirit of October being World Mental Health Month, our MUM studio decided to take time off work and indulge in some much-needed meditation therapy this week. The session was conducted by Ms. Namrata Mistry – who is a certified Yoga and Meditation Trainer.
Introducing students to Framestore
MTL received Rubika College this week, as the final part of the school tours happening throughout October. Over 100 students have been introduced to Framestore’s history and given a taste of the working culture. We hope to see some of them return as employees someday!
MTL Visit to LDN
Last week the LDN studio had a visitor from across the pond with MTL’s Head of Production, Chris Blasko making an appearance to meet the team in person.
Big wins for MTL Soccer Team
The MTL Soccer Team had fabulous victory this past week, winning their fall tournament. Playing against various VFX and video game companies the team won 8 out of 8 games played and finished the league with 24 points. A massive well done to the team, we can’t wait to see what is next!
Life Drawing in VAN
The VAN studio ran a life drawing event this week for both seasoned artists and beginners using some suitable spooky props as inspiration. Check out some the beautiful artwork below!
MTL’s New Knit ‘n’ Natter
One of the newest and most active clubs happening at Framestore MTL, the Knitting Club, met up this week for the first time, introducing newcomers to an old craft!
Join the club here.
That’s all folks!