3 body problem vfx breakdown: Image Engine VFX

The visual effects breakdown of The Three-Body Problem by Image Engine showcases the studio's remarkable contribution to the highly anticipated Netflix series. Tasked with delivering 137 VFX shots across several episodes, Image Engine’s work includes creating the Neutrino Observatory, the Judgment Day ship, and a highly realistic chimpanzee character.

In the Neutrino Observatory sequence, Image Engine crafted a fully CG environment to integrate Dr. Vera Ye's movements within the complex, ensuring the scene conveyed the mysterious and grand scale of the facility. The Judgment Day ship, a massive floating city, required precise integration of live-action footage with CG elements, including detailed assets like container offices and a basketball court.

One of the standout achievements was the creation of a photorealistic chimpanzee, which involved meticulously sculpting its musculature, fur, and facial expressions. The animation team brought the chimp to life with keyframe animation, capturing subtle emotions and movements, particularly in a scene where the chimp vomits—a sequence that required a detailed fluid simulation.

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