VFX breakdown of Kingdom of the planet of the Apes: Wētā FX’s Erik Winquist

IGN India shares an insightful video featuring Erik Winquist, Visual Effects Supervisor at Wētā FX, as he breaks down some of the key moments from the latest Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes film. The video covers several critical aspects of the VFX process:

1. Post-Human Environment Creation: Winquist explains how the team combined concept art with real-world references to depict cities reclaimed by nature over centuries. This imaginative process required envisioning what skyscrapers might look like after 200-300 years of abandonment.
2. Advancements in Performance Capture: The team utilized cutting-edge 3D facial rigs to capture detailed expressions, enhancing the realism of the apes’ emotional performances. This technology allowed for greater fidelity in translating actors' facial movements into the digital realm.
3. Challenging Visual Effects: Winquist highlights the complexity of scenes involving water simulations and fully digital environments. These sequences, particularly the final flood scene, were intricate and required a high level of precision.
4. The Role of Machine Learning in VFX: The discussion also touches on the integration of machine learning in the animation process, emphasizing its use as a tool to support animators rather than replace them.

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