VFXShow 303: Hail Mary

For this episode of  the VFXshow, we takeoff on Hail Mary and discuss this smash hit film, based on a popular book of the same name. The film was Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller.

The VFX were primarily done by ILM and Framestore, with a range of other companies also contributing.

The film was being shot for IMAX, with scenes using 1.43:1 aspect ratio and also letterboxed. The panel discuss the film’s stunning visuals and VFX, including the incredible cinematography by Greig Fraser and the use of a puppet for the film’s alien Rocky.

Note the vertical lens flares

Rocky was primarily a puppet, but for key sequences he was fully CG, such as when Rocky comes aboard the Hail Mary and moved quickly through the ship in a Xeonite sphere.

Behind the Scenes
Rocky in the Ball (manual with rig removal)
Rocky’s Ball for reference/ plate photography

This week, exploring Tau Ceti,  in the constellation Cetus, are

Matt ‘steely-eyed missile man’ Wallin *            @mattwallin    www.mattwallin.com

Follow Matt on Mastodon: @[email protected]. and   letterboxd.com/mattwallin/

Rocket Scientist, Jason Diamond  @jasondiamond           www.thediamondbros.com

Mike ‘I can’t even moonwalk’ Seymour   @mikeseymour             www.fxguide.com. + @mikeseymour

Special thanks to Jim Shen for the editing & production of the show.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast in your favorite app — links are above for Apple, Spotify, and RSS. Also: be sure to subscribe to our fxguide YouTube channel.

The inventive use of an LED Wall – which is a key part of the plot.
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