Today on the befores & afters podcast, we have the pleasure of chatting with ZERO VFX visual effects supervisor Brian Drewes about the remarkable film, Challengers. As a befores & afters reader, you may have already been exposed to some coverage of this extraordinary tennis film in the magazine. However, I am excited to share a follow-up conversation with Brian where we delve deep into a plethora of fascinating details regarding face replacements, environments, the crafting of slow-mo shots, and a wide range of invisible effects. This truly stands out as one of the most distinctive visual effects projects of the past year.

Sponsored by SideFX

This episode of the befores & afters podcast is proudly sponsored by SideFX. If you are in search of exceptional customer case studies, presentations, and demos, make sure to head over to the SideFX YouTube channel. There, you will discover a wealth of Houdini, Solaris, and Karma content. It includes recordings of recent Houdini HIVE sessions from various locations around the world.

Face Replacements

In our conversation with Brian Drewes, we explored the intricate process of face replacements in Challengers. Brian shared his expertise and the challenges they faced in seamlessly integrating new faces into the film. He explained how they used advanced techniques to ensure that the replaced faces blended seamlessly with the original footage, adding a new dimension to the characters. This not only enhanced the visual appeal but also brought a new level of authenticity to the story. For example, they spent countless hours meticulously matching the facial expressions and textures to create a realistic and immersive experience for the viewers.

Environments

The creation of the environments in Challengers was a remarkable feat. Brian discussed how they meticulously designed and crafted each setting to enhance the overall atmosphere of the film. From the tennis courts to the various locations where the story unfolds, every detail was carefully considered. They used a combination of digital and practical elements to create a world that felt both realistic and captivating. For instance, they built detailed digital models of the tennis courts and then added practical elements like props and set dressing to make the environments come alive.

Slow-Mo Shots

One of the standout aspects of Challengers is the stunning slow-mo shots. Brian explained the thought process behind crafting these shots and the techniques they used to achieve the desired effect. They played around with different frame rates and editing techniques to create a sense of time dilation and add a cinematic quality to the scenes. These slow-mo shots not only added a visual spectacle but also enhanced the emotional impact of certain moments in the film. It was a meticulous process that required a deep understanding of both visual effects and cinematography.Stay up-to-date with VFX news -> Subscribe to befores & afters weeklies, and get a free Tech of Terminator 2 ebook!