As you’ll discover in the VFX breakdown video, the key highlights of our work include the following sequences :
- Docking Bay Escape: We extended the practical set into a sprawling, 400-meter space dock within an asteroid. Using 3D scans of cliffs and procedural design for structural elements like scaffolds and machinery, we seamlessly extended the environment digitally. Key assets like Soren’s ship were redesigned for close-ups, while animation and FX enhancements amplified the tension of the escape sequence. Integrating CG with live-action posed challenges due to reflective surfaces and anamorphic lenses, but careful compositing ensured realism. We also added digital actors, creating a dynamic, immersive spaceport scene.
- Onyx Valley and Camp Currahee : The Yard crafted a highly detailed alien landscape, blending realism with otherworldly elements. We upgraded key game assets to cinematic quality and designed a valley inspired by the unique basalt cliffs of Ireland’s Causeway Coast, while adding handcrafted alien trees modeled after Kapok trees. Procedural systems were used to generate cliffs and snow coverage, creating a cold, rugged atmosphere. At Camp Currahee, we meticulously designed the military activity, populating the camp with hundreds of animated Spartans and dynamic Condor ships, bringing life and scale to this pivotal setting.
- Forerunner City : For the sequences involving the Forerunner City, a sprawling, advanced metropolis hidden for centuries, our team created an awe-inspiring environment that felt both ancient and futuristic, reflecting the Forerunners’ mastery of technology. A key highlight was the creation of the iconic light bridge, seamlessly integrating practical light panels with CG effects for a realistic interaction with actors. The city’s grand reveal was brought to life through a sophisticated lighting system that animated the activation of the city, showcasing its immense scale and timeless design.
- Halo Environment : Filmed at Predil Lake in Italy, The Yard faced the challenge of restoring the landscape’s lush, vibrant appearance, which had been affected by drought conditions. Our VFX team digitally enhanced the environment, adding greenery and water to recreate the thriving world of the Halo ring. A key element was the addition of the iconic Halo ring itself, which we carefully designed to balance its immense scale and curvature as it stretched into the sky. We also created the aftermath of a Covenant spaceship crash and a towering Forerunner structure, integrating these elements seamlessly into the landscape.
