Emmy Awards 2023: Exceptional Rotoscoping Work by Scanline VFX in Shadow and Bone Series
In the magical realm of the Second Season of Shadow and Bone, the visual effects (VFX) team led by VFX Supervisor Adam Balentine has created a breathtaking world that leaves viewers spellbound. Among the VFX powerhouses contributing to this enchanting series, Scanline VFX stands out with their exceptional work.
The Scanline VFX team was responsible for the design, construction, and integration of several digital environment sets, including the Ravkan countryside and the First Army Fortress castle. Their work extended to the creation of the series' most iconic and awe-inspiring elements, such as the Fold, Alina's sun-summoning magical powers, and the devastating destruction of the Fold by Alina in the finale.
One of the team's most challenging tasks was the development and integration of the Fold, a magical fog with monsters and lightning, into the series. With its sheer scale and complex interaction with the surrounding geography, the Fold presented a formidable challenge that Scanline VFX met with their usual flair for innovation.
Another demanding aspect of the VFX work was the ship shots, particularly those with sailing wires crossing over characters. The team heavily relied on Silhouette for both roto and paint to complete these complex and challenging shots. They had to painstakingly paint out the sailing wires and rebuild characters without them in some hybrid shots, demonstrating their meticulous attention to detail.
Rachel, a member of the Scanline VFX team, was particularly proud of the ship shots due to their complexity and the final output's beauty. The ship shots, with their long frame ranges and changing perspectives, were indeed a daunting task, but the team's hard work and creativity shone through in the final product.
Adam Balentine, VFX Supervisor, was proud of the team's ability to keep fantastical, magical effects grounded in reality. From the towering Fold to the arcing elements of Alina's magic, the team ensured that the visuals were not only visually stunning but also believable within the context of the series.
The Scanline VFX team's hard work and creativity have not gone unnoticed. They have been nominated for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for their work on Netflix's Shadow and Bone (Season 2). This nomination is a testament to the team's dedication and their ability to create a visually captivating and immersive world that transports viewers into the heart of the Grishaverse.
Technology played a significant role in the creation of the Fold, with the Scanline VFX team relying heavily on Silhouette for complex rotoscoping and painting tasks.
The team's exceptional work on the ship shots, blending reality and entertainment, showcases the intertwining of technology and artistry in the creation of immersive and captivating visual effects.
