Here’s the completed film!
Cheating CG - To disguise the CG elements in this shot, we used the table as a way of “dividing” the frame, so that we can have a 2D background with a CG floor
Production Still
3D Detective - So that we could achieve the clean shadows from the detective character casting onto the scene, we decided to build a 3D rig in Maya. Using 2D planes for the head and torso combined with 3D modelled arms and legs, we could animate the silhouette very easily to the camera. It also meant being able to rely on our 3D animation skills, and not risking cause any distortion to the original design.
CG - A number of shots were created by building assets in Photoshop, then recreating the image in Maya from 2D planes. This enabled us to shine “true” lights in the scene and have it cast shadows on the walls appropriately, as well as provide faster results for animating the torch-light shape
FX - To give the graphic visuals more believability, we added extra elements like the dust particles seen here. But to maintain the “shapes”, they only appear where the flashlight shines
Compositing - This shot was achieved by using Maya, by deforming planes and spheres, then comped in After Effects
Final Frame Concept
Detective Concept Design
