Shadow and Bone's Enchanting Rotoscoping by Scanline VFX at the Emmy Awards 2023
In the captivating world of Shadow and Bone, Scanline VFX has once again demonstrated its prowess in visual effects, with their work on the second season now streaming on Netflix.
At the helm of Scanline's efforts is VFX Supervisor Adam Balentine. Balentine is particularly proud of the complex ship shots in the series, which required intricate rotoscoping and depth separation for FX. The team used Silhouette, a powerful tool for advanced rotoscoping, paint, tracking, and compositing tasks, to efficiently handle these challenging tasks. Silhouette was instrumental in removing sailing wires from ship shots, ensuring the visuals were seamless and immersive.
The team's success in maintaining photorealism for the fantastical effects is a testament to Balentine's vision. This was especially evident in the development and integration of the Fold, a magical fog with monsters and lightning that stretched for miles across the Ravkan countryside and was several hundred feet tall.
Rachel Ulicny, the Rotopaint Lead at Scanline VFX, was particularly proud of the ship shots. Her team, led by Charan Mapatuna, the Head of Roto/Paint for North America at Scanline VFX, utilized Silhouette for extensive roto work on the series, including complex ship rotos with long frame ranges and changing perspectives.
The Fold interacted with the surrounding geography as it expanded to cover new territory, a task that required careful consideration and precision. Meanwhile, Alina's sun-summoning magical powers were under the purview of Art Director Cameron Thomas.
The finale of the season saw the FX team led by Yahnis Ventura representing the destruction of the Fold by Alina, a spectacle that showcased the versatility and effectiveness of Silhouette in handling complex roto and paint tasks.
Scanline's work on Shadow and Bone also included the design, construction, and integration of several digital environment sets. The visually stunning output resulted in many scenes and shots turning out particularly beautiful, a fact that earned the team an Emmy nomination for their work on the series.
In conclusion, Scanline VFX's work on Shadow and Bone Season 2 is a testament to the power of Silhouette and the skill of the team. From the complex ship shots to the towering Fold, every visual effect is a masterclass in photorealism and immersion.
Technology played a crucial role in the creation of the immersive visual effects seen in Shadow and Bone Season 2, with Silhouette, a powerful tool for rotoscoping and composite tasks, being instrumental in the removal of sailing wires from ship shots and ensuring seamless transitions in the series.
In the entertainment industry, the second season of Shadow and Bone showcases how advanced technology can enhance the overall viewing experience, transforming fictional elements into captivating, photorealistic visuals that engage and captivate audiences.
