Emmy Awards 2023 Highlight: Shadow and Bone's Enchanting Rotoscoping by Scanline VFX
In the captivating world of Shadow and Bone, the visual effects team led by VFX Supervisor Adam Balentine and Head of Roto/Paint for North America, Charan Mapatuna, has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or Movie.
Balentine played a crucial role in ensuring that the fantastical, magical effects in the series appeared grounded in reality, while Cameron Thomas led the development of Alina's powers. The team's efforts resulted in visually stunning scenes that left viewers in awe.
One of the key challenges faced by the team was making the towering Fold, Alina's magic arcs, and expansive digital environments all look photoreal. The Fold, a magical fog with monsters and lightning, was developed and integrated by Scanline VFX, and its destruction by Alina in the finale was handled by the FX team led by Yahnis Ventura.
The team was particularly proud of the complex ship shots in Shadow and Bone, as they turned out visually beautiful despite the challenges. To achieve this, Scanline VFX used Silhouette for extensive roto work, including complex ship shots with long frame ranges and changing perspectives. The team also used Silhouette for paint work to remove sailing wires from ship shots, which were hybrid shots containing both CGI and plates.
Rachel Ulicny, Rotopaint Lead, was also involved in roto work for depth separation of characters and sets for FX in Shadow and Bone. Scanline VFX was also responsible for designing, constructing, and integrating several digital environment sets, including the Ravkan countryside and the First Army Fortress castle.
As the series continues to garner praise for its visual effects, the Scanline VFX team's dedication and hard work are evident in every frame. Their nomination for an Emmy is a testament to their skill and creativity in bringing the magical world of Shadow and Bone to life.
Technology played a significant role in the creation of visually stunning gadgets and environments in the magical world of Shadow and Bone, as the visual effects team harnessed advanced tools like Silhouette for roto work and CGI to bring the fantastical scenes to life. The team's innovative use of technology resulted in the Emmy-nominated special visual effects that left viewers in awe.
