“See You in Hell”: A Technological Marvel in Short Film Production

Crafting a Photorealistic Dark Comedy

By Richard Inman

“See You in Hell,” the latest venture from Broadly Studios, isn’t just a dark comedy—it’s a pioneering showcase of cutting-edge virtual production technology. This brief two-minute film transcends traditional filmmaking methods, demonstrating the immense potential of virtual environments in cinema.

Innovative Technology at Play

To bring this visionary project to life, the production team employed an array of advanced tools:

  • Camera and Tracking: The Sony FX9 camera, paired with the Mo-Sys StarTracker Max, offered unparalleled tracking data, essential for intricate post-production work.
  • Lenses: The Canon CN-7 17-120 f2.8 lens provided the necessary versatility for capturing detailed imagery.
  • Virtual Production: Utilizing Unreal Engine 5.0, the team created dynamic 3D environments, offering real-time on-set visualization.
  • Post-Production Mastery: The Brainstorm Infinity Set, coupled with Blender, facilitated a seamless blend of real and virtual elements. The final touches were applied in Davinci Resolve for editing and color grading, and Davinci Fusion for comprehensive compositing.

A Unique Production Approach

“See You in Hell” sets itself apart with its hybrid production technique. Real-time visualizations were achieved through the Brainstorm Infinity Set, but the magic truly happened in post-production. The Mo-Sys StarTracker Max played a crucial role, capturing comprehensive camera tracking data for use in crafting the final image.

The film’s production required meticulous planning, particularly for the scene involving a nuclear bomb. This demanded precise camera plates and tracking data to achieve a realistic composite of the catastrophic event.

Innovations in Lighting and Post-Production

Understanding the need for photorealism, the Director of Photography strategically placed lighting rigs within shots, later to be removed in post. This technique ensured precise lighting control, crucial for enhancing the realism of the talent and environment.

The post-production pipeline, developed entirely in-house, showcased a remarkable synergy between various software tools. This integration allowed for a fluid transition from real-time visualization to detailed compositing and color grading.

Reimagining the Virtual Environment

In a bold move, directors Kieran Lowley and Isobel Drane decided to reconstruct the virtual environment post-picture lock. Leveraging a unique, version-controlled pipeline, the team redesigned the entire set, from props to city-wide lighting, achieving this feat in less than two full working days.

Conclusion

“See You in Hell” is not just a short film; it’s a testament to the innovative spirit at Broadly Studios. Their willingness to accommodate new ideas and technologies is a beacon for future filmmakers. This project serves as a clear example of how virtual production can revolutionize filmmaking, offering an insight into the future of cinema.

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