Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/283421
6 Post • March 2014 www.postmagazine.com Building RoboCop's VFX L OS ANGELES — Method Studios provided visual effects services for a number of key scenes fea- tured in the new MGM/Columbia Pictures film, Robo- Cop. Directed by José Padilha, the film is set in 2028, when a new breed of peace officers — half human, half robot — are being deployed to fight crime. Joel Kinnaman stars as RoboCop Alex Murphy, and is joined by a cast that includes Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Abbie Cornish and Samuel L. Jackson. Nordin Rahhali served as VFX supervisor for Method on the project and says the studio spent three months executing VFX for several noteworthy scenes, but had only seven weeks for one very intense shot, in which the lead character first realizes he is now part machine and part human. Rahhali describes the sequence as the transition from Murphy's dream to reality. "It's an interesting shot that we're excited about, and it's a marquee moment of the show," says Rahhali. "He's first realizing he is not himself." Method provided a lot of creative input to help develop the sequence. The studio did concept work with stills to show director José Padilha, who Rahhali says, really loved it. "We didn't have ton of time," says Rahhali of that scene. "It was a challenge to create such high quality in a short amount of time. We came up with it from nothing and then had to execute it. To see it come to fruition — a beautiful shot — stands out." Rahhali also points to Method's work on the "Novak" sequence, a section of the film where Pat Novak (played by Samuel L. Jackson) hosts an interactive show that supports the idea of mechanized crime fighting. Also contributing to the film was LA-based design studio Yu+Co, which helped visualize the inner work- ings of the man/robot hybrid. Yu+Co designed 118 shots for the film, crafting graphic overlays that includ- ing the visuals for RoboCop Alex Murphy's digitized first person point of view (pictured). In order to effectively communicate plot points through the graphic overlays, creative director Garson Yu devised an operating system for a streamlined look across all designs. Rather than craft the designs shot- by-shot, an overall theme was established. To transport the computerization of Murphy's mind to a visual realm, his digital capabilities are seen through a first person point of view, including his access to CCTV footage, analysis of individuals and realtime data of environments. By Marc Loftus Small Tree to debut ThunderNet O AKDALE, MN — Small Tree (www.small-tree.com), which specializes in Ethernet-based shared storage and networking solutions, will showcase its new ThunderNet2 solutions for post production at the NAB show in Las Vegas next month. Created to support post pros who use all- in-one desktop and laptop computers, ThunderNet2 combines the high performance I/O capabili- ties of Thunderbolt 2 with the flexibility of PCIe. The release is a cost effective solution for integrating Thunderbolt-equipped platforms into high-performance storage and data networks. ThunderNet2 boasts a wide range of 1 or 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to Mac Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air systems, providing higher levels of network performance and connecting seamlessly to Small Tree's Ethernet shared storage appliance, TitaniumZ, or 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches. ThunderNet2 can also provide additional Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to the user's current network. "With its more compact design, combined with the 20 percent increase in performance, ThunderNet2 provides a very cost-effective solution for Thunderbolt-equipped systems," notes Small Tree president, Corky Seeber. Legend3D to open new LA office C ARLSBAD, CA — Legend3D (www. Legend3D.com) has kicked off con- struction of a new Los Angeles office that will feature a RealD review theater, editorial suites and a technology lab, among other amenities. In addition to serving as a loca- tion for partner meetings and creative col- laboration with clients, the stereo produc- tion hub will be used to host educational events for industry professionals. "One of our primary goals behind break- ing new ground in LA is to ensure we are easily accessible for creative collaboration with filmmakers and studio clients, and this facility will enhance that accessibility," explains Tom Sinnott, Legend3D's COO. The Legend3D office is currently under construction at 1017 Cole Avenue in West Hollywood, with plans to open this month. "This Hollywood facility will truly be a one-stop shop for 3D conversion work, reviews and editorial conform," adds execu- tive producer Matt Akey. "We'll be offering seminars to filmmakers and post production supervisors on ways to enhance shooting for the 3D aesthetic, and on hybrid conver- sion/native 3D workflows." In 2013, Legend3D opened a 60,000 square-foot facility in Carlsbad, CA, with the capacity to allow more than 400 artists and creative supervisors to collaborate on proj- ects simultaneously. To ensure seamless project workflow between offices, a 10-giga- bit pipe will connect the 3D LA hub to Legend3D's Carlsbad facility. Bits & Pieces