DECODING THE WAYS TO SHOOT A STUNT SEQUENCE EFFECTIVELY

Don’t you think stunt sequences have evolved to greater extents in the cinema industry? Yes! This is an era of VFX that delivers realism at its best.

Have you ever wondered how all of these would cost in terms of production? The most prevalent thought that goes around is “VFX is expensive” but the reality is otherwise. Because these visual effects can cut down the money involved in creating dupe sets, stunt sequences like bombs, crashes, jumping and many more.This broadened the imagination limit, realism, grandeur in cinema. Read more to get into the details of how one can shoot a stunt sequence under budget.

Proficient Team

Choosing the right team that best suits your requirements can give you positive results without compromising on the goals. Experienced professionals from various niches can communicate effortlessly without any lag in the shooting process. By this the shooting process becomes easier & efficient.

A skilled team can really make a difference when it comes to shooting a stunt sequence. An experienced artist can ace a scene without many retakes. The understanding of the scene & enacting with ease majorly reduces all the extra efforts in terms of retakes, background movements, and so on.

Pre-planning & Rehearsing

Realism comes with recreating even the minute details. In order to achieve this the stunt director has to be keen with their visuals and ensure the presence of the VFX team throughout the shoot. This will help in capturing the details at the right angles and moments. 

Working on a storyboard before getting to the shoot will help to curate the visuals in order. This storyboard will help all the members of the team to understand & work towards achieving the same. Following this step will save you a lot of time & effort. Storyboarding also helps in the sequencing the film in order. This will further avoid confusions and can enable the directors to prioritize the shots with respect to time constraints.

In order to get the perfect shot, the actor has to practice to perfection. This will reduce retakes and help us get the frame & angle as planned initially. Coordinating with the VFX team will help the directors to capture the appropriate frames which make the post-vis process smooth & efficient.

Ensuring safety in the sets while shooting a stunt sequence is one of the most primary aspects to look after. Rehearsing the stunt moves diligently will help in the flow of the sequence & avoids any lag. Using a professional stunt double for complicated scenes will avoid causing any kind of injuries. Following these will result in  efficient output and proportionally reduces the retakes and time consumption.

Framing

The pre-planning & rehearsing of scenes will help the director to set the frames accordingly. Every shot has to be planned beforehand known as pre-vis, so that doesn't disrupt the flow of the sequence. The artist movements, background movements, camera movements have to be discussed and planned earlier to get the perfect shot. A stunt scene requires a lot of physical activities happening throughout the sequence, which involves actions (Guns, Cars, Running, Driving, Crashing, Bombing). Pre-vis helps to articulate the sequence & cuts down the cost of retakes  or change of sequences. Having a clear vision of what has to be captured can reduce the volume of shots & improves the quality of shots invariably.

Techniques & Properties

Artists are multifaceted & highly talented but when it comes to a stunt sequence it is always wise to have a stunt double or dupe. 

We can present an original fight scene by using green screens if required, jarring effects, high frame rates, recorded presets & more to create a stunt scene. 

Investing in durable properties is advisable as they are highly durable and cost-efficient compared to real properties. Synthetic properties are reusable and help in major cost cutting when it comes to stunt scenes. Using put together techniques for  bombing, crashing, jumping, and more will consume less time and the rates of these properties are cheap compared to original properties.

Safety

Pre-planned stunt choreographies & intensive practice sessions will prevent the artist from facing injuries or accidents while performing. This will affect the production process and slow down the shooting schedule. All the necessary first aid services have to be present inside the shooting space to avoid complications. 

Monitoring

When it comes to stunt scenes, to make it real & relatable it is always advisable to have a VFX supervisor on board right from the storyboard stage. The VFX perspective to a film caters to minute detailing, angles, effects added in shots, properties, placements & more. This will enhance the quality of the shots as the VFX explores the odds and present a appropriate  approach to shoot the scene. With this can avoid a lot of post-vis work which results in an effortless editing process.The film director and the VFX specialist have to work hand in hand to deliver the desired results.

Conclusion

Follow these hacks and put in practice to see a vast difference in your shooting approach and to attain incredible results while shooting a stunt sequence. These pointers & hacks on VFX will help you speed up the post production process, enhances the quality of shots, reduces costs & time with utmost safety.

Do you remember the 2019 movie, the one that swept us through joy, heartache, grief, and awe in a single journey? The Lion King! Remember the stampede and the fight between Simba and Scar? These scenes used the previsualization method, in which hand-drawn storyboards and early 2D animations were used to create the dramatic confrontation act and set the tone for the final 3D-rendered scene. 

Previsualization, or previs, was used in these scenes to create lifelike animal movements and behaviours within the realistic African savanna environment. Curious to know more about how Previsualization in films works? Let’s explore further and learn its importance in the VFX process. 

What is Previsualization? 

Previsualization, also referred to as previs, is a method used in the media or film industry to create and visualize complex scenes before the actual production begins. Like the filmmaker of Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg quoted,

‘’Pre-visualization is the filmmaker’s crystal ball, revealing the future of a film before a single frame is shot.’’

Basically, it's a filmmaker's sneak peek into how a scene will look before all the cool effects and actions are added.

Types of Previsualization 

Previsualization comes in various types, each serving a unique purpose in bringing a scene's vision to life before the filming begins. Let’s have a look at the three most common ones: 

Storyboards

Example of Spiderman-2 storyboard, Source

These consist of a series of digital or hand-drawn images that represent a film's visual sequence. They illustrate a specific shot or a moment in the movie, accompanied by camera angles, essential actions, or dialogue. 

There are two kinds of storyboards: traditional and digital. Traditional ones are hand-drawn by a storyboard artist and quick to produce and iterate, perfect for initial planning. Digital storyboards use software and digital tools and can incorporate basic effects and shading. Watch this to understand the early storyboard from the Lord of the Rings Extended Home Release. 

Animatics

Source

These animated storyboard versions give a rough idea of a scene's timing and motion. Sound, movements, and sometimes temporary dialogue can be added to provide a more realistic view of how a scene would unfold.

Basic animatics involves simple animation of the storyboard frames, which helps in understanding the pace and rhythm of the scene. Advanced animatics can include basic 3D models, sound effects, and voiceovers. Animatics are particularly useful during the editing phase. Check out this video to get an idea of previsualization animatics. 

Shot Lists

These detailed documents describe every technical shot for a scene. They are essential for a director and cinematographer, ensuring no shots are missed. 

Shot lists include technical details such as camera angles, equipment such as drones, cranes, and lenses, movements like tracking shots or titles, duration of each shot, and notes on the actor's positions or special effects.Learn more about shot lists in previsualization at this link.

Importance of Previsualization 

Filming a scene can be a bumpy ride, but previsualization can help smooth the ride. We have listed a few reasons why previsualization in films is vital in the VFX process. 

• Improve creative control

Previsualization is highly beneficial to cinematographers and directors to refine their ideas and cinematic vision before the shooting begins. It also allows you to experiment with light effects and camera angles. It gives the opportunity to fine-tune sequences, prototype complex VFX shots, experiment with the integration of CGI elements, and produce more polished products. 

• Streamlines production process

Previsualization provides a clear road map for the VFX artists to plan shots and sequences. Efficient visualization leads to a smoother workflow, as teams know precisely what will be created or captured. Thus, it minimises resource wastage and helps create high-quality outputs within the given timeframe. 

• Boost collaborative work 

It fosters teamwork among various artists, allowing everyone to understand the project's goals and giving them the opportunity to add their input early on. This reduces the chances of costly mistakes and misunderstandings. It also encourages clear communication through previsualization tools. 

• Budget management 

Previsualization helps manage VFX and film budgets by spotting challenges early on. Digital previews and storyboards can save costly reshoots, time, and resources. This foresight ensures efficient use of the budget for each VFX shot. 

Let’s Help you Achieve your VFX with Flawless Previsualization

By now you would have understood that  previsualization does not only benefit the director or the VFX artist, but it also helps foster collaborations, manage budgets, and streamline workflow. With the right previsualization partner, like Knack Studios, you can now create compelling narratives and bring your artistic visions to reality. 

The Art of VFX: What Went into Saripodhaa Sanivaaram

Directed by Vivek Athreya, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram casts Nani as Surya, a man with a double life—an ordinary insurance agent from Monday to Friday and a vigilante on Saturdays! Opposite him is SJ Suryah, a ruthless Police Officer named Dayanand. The plot revolves around social justice, anger, and fighting personal demons. What truly sets this film apart is its intense writing and extraordinary performances from Nani and SJ Suryah. 

In such action dramas, VFX is more than just a tool! It is essential for creating engaging and immersive experiences. It enables filmmakers to create spectacular scenes without compromising safety. From digital layering to background augmentation, we used various methods to create a rich cinematic experience allowing them to feel the adrenaline and emotion of characters! 

During the post-production, we mapped out the VFX for the film’s plot without overpowering the performances. We balanced out the VFX and live-action in a way that keeps the film grounded yet visually elevating!

Background Augmentation:

We used background augmentation to extend the set pieces seamlessly. We digitally extended specific environments to enhance their scale and mood to match the emotional tone of each scene. Many scenes in the movie take place in Sokulapalem, a small area,where adding elements helps capture a panoramic view of the town.

Certain scenes of the film featured rain. But filming in the rain can be quite tricky, right? Instead of relying only on practical effects, we used VFX to create realistic rain that felt like a natural part of the environment.

Color Grading and Lighting

The movie has two distinct worlds - Surya’s controlled weekday life and chaotic Saturday vigilante persona! Surya’s weekday is calm, with bright colours, while his Saturday persona is full of energy and anger! With VFX, we heightened the contrast using digital layering to enhance the differences.

One of the standout aspects of the film is the use of colour to convey deeper emotions! This manipulation of light and colour draws the audience into Surya’s world. For instance, we used red as a recurring colour to symbolize anger and intensity . Maintaining the vibrancy of the red colour was essential in telling Surya’s Story.

Stunt Sequences

The film's highlight is the adrenaline-pumping action sequences where VFX plays a crucial role!

There’s an instance where Nani’s character gets struck on the head with a bottle, shattering it into tiny pieces. TBH, staging a scene like this without injury is very challenging as the glass pieces are hazardous, especially with the risk of sharp fragments. Here’s where VFX steps in, enabling the filmmakers to create a realistic effect without compromising safety.

The climax of Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is the ultimate showdown between Surya and Dayanand. In this scene, we see Nani’s character with his wrist ignited with fire, symbolizing the rise of courage among the people of Sokulapalem. But the fact is: that fire wasn’t real! We created the fire effect over the live footage with VFX layering techniques, ensuring the flames look so real that no one guesses it! This creative use of VFX draws the audience in!! 

Check out this video showcasing all the scenes where VFX brought Saripodhaa Sanivaaram to life

Without these carefully crafted VFX layers, the action might have felt more straightforward, but with them, an extra spark (quite literally!) keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. This is what VFX does best: it elevates reality, adding depth and excitement to action scenes, making them look and feel alive!

In a film where emotions run high, and justice is dealt with fists, VFX ensures that every punch lands and every tear feels real!

That’s how visual effects elevate storytelling to a whole new level! They add depth, excitement, and visual flair, bringing viewers closer to the characters’ journey and uplifting every emotion. The result? An immersive and emotionally resonant film experience.

Ready to see how VFX can transform your next project? Reach out to Knack Studios, and let’s make it happen!

Unveiling the Enchantment: Georges Méliès

In the nascent days of cinema, amidst the crackling excitement of moving pictures, one man stood as a magician behind the lens, weaving tales of wonder and enchantment through the art of filmmaking. Georges Méliès, a visionary filmmaker and illusionist, transformed the cinematic landscape, birthing the very essence of visual effects and unleashing the boundless potential of storytelling through the magical medium of film.

The Journey Begins: From Stage to Screen

Georges Méliès, born on December 8, 1861, in Paris, was initially captivated by the world of stage magic. As an accomplished magician, he dazzled audiences with his performances, often incorporating intricate illusions and spectacular effects. Méliès' transition from the stage to the emerging world of cinema happened almost serendipitously when he attended the Lumière brothers' first public screening of the cinematograph in 1895.

Pioneering Innovations in Filmmaking

Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a flair for innovation, Méliès didn’t merely see the camera as a recording device but as a tool to create fantasies. His groundbreaking approach to filmmaking introduced numerous techniques that became the bedrock of visual effects in cinema.

Trick Photography: Méliès pioneered the art of 'trick photography' – a term coined to describe his innovative use of special effects. By manipulating the camera, multiple exposures, and meticulous set designs, he conjured up fantastical scenes that transported viewers to worlds beyond imagination.

Theatre of Illusions: Drawing from his background in stage magic, Méliès seamlessly blended theatricality with cinema. His use of elaborate sets, trap doors, and meticulously crafted props transformed the screen into a canvas where the impossible became possible.

Iconic Creations and Enduring Legacy

Méliès' visionary works are etched in the annals of cinematic history, each frame a testament to his boundless creativity. One of his most iconic films, "A Trip to the Moon" (1902), remains a hallmark of early cinema. The iconic image of a rocket crashing into the eye of the moon stands as an indelible symbol of Méliès' imaginative prowess and technical ingenuity.

Despite his groundbreaking contributions, Méliès faced financial challenges, and as the industry evolved, his pioneering spirit gradually faded into obscurity. It wasn’t until later years that his genius was acknowledged, and he was rightfully celebrated as a visionary whose influence resonates through generations of filmmakers.

Legacy and Impact

Georges Méliès' legacy extends far beyond his cinematic innovations. His boundless imagination and audacious approach to storytelling laid the groundwork for future filmmakers, inspiring the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Tim Burton, and Martin Scorsese. His impact on visual effects and storytelling techniques continues to reverberate in contemporary cinema, serving as a guiding light for artists pushing the boundaries of imagination and technology.

As we celebrate the artistry of modern visual effects and the captivating worlds they create, it’s imperative to pay homage to the luminary whose pioneering spirit set the stage for the enchanting tapestry of visual storytelling that we relish today.

Georges Méliès, the conjurer of cinematic marvels, remains an immortal figure whose legacy transcends time. His boundless imagination and relentless pursuit of enchantment continue to inspire filmmakers, reminding us that within the realm of cinema, the limits of imagination are yet to be discovered.

In the grand tapestry of film history, Georges Méliès stands as a luminary, a visionary whose legacy twinkles like stars in the cinematic sky, forever illuminating the path for generations of storytellers to come.