On World VFX Day, a celebration of the artistry and innovation in visual effects, VFX Supervisors Wojciech Zielinski and Harry Bardak took center stage to share exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from Halo – Season 2. Catch up with this special discussion highlighting the meticulous crafting of the Dock Bay Escape sequence, from scouting the perfect shooting location to the intricate details of postproduction and the artistry of VFX that brought the scene to life.
Supported by more than 300 visual effects studios, organizations, and professionals, this year’s World VFX Day was celebrated over three days, on December 6, 8 and 9th. Over 22 hours of tutorials, talks, interviews, and showreels were streamed, including a special live day from Megalis Studio in Japan on December 6th, via Hugo’s Desk YouTube channel.
VFX Supervisors Wojciech Zielinski and Harry Bardak treated the community to an exclusive discussion centered around the making of Halo – Season 2. This engaging conversation provided rare insights into the creation of one of the season’s standout moments: the Dock Bay Escape sequence, featured in Episode 203. The talk delved into every phase of production, from initial concepts to the final image, highlighting the collaborative efforts that brought the sequence to life.
The Dock Bay Escape sequence was conceptualized as a visually stunning and narratively impactful moment, and the journey from initial concept art to finished scene was nothing short of remarkable. Zielinski and Bardak began by unveiling the early concept designs and previs, showcasing how the sequence was imagined during pre-production. To bring the sequence to life authentically within the Halo universe, the team scouted an old bus factory, whose industrial appearance closely matched the concept art.
The live shoot provided valuable material for post-production, despite some challenges. Zielinski and Bardak highlighted the considerable work on set extensions, upgrading assets from the previous season, and integrating digital elements seamlessly with practical ones. Lighting design was key, crafting a dramatic ambiance and conveying the dock bay’s impressive scale.
They also discussed how postvis played a critical role in guiding cinematic decisions, ensuring alignment across departments and streamlining production workflows. This meticulous collaboration across phases ensured the sequence met its narrative and visual goals.
Despite the complexities of the process, Zielinski assured viewers that none of the challenges encountered during production impacted the major story points. The sequence remained true to its narrative purpose while exceeding visual expectations, a testament to the team’s expertise and dedication.
So don’t wait and delve into the behind-the-scenes of Halo – Season 2 by catching up with the talk below :
We seize the opportunity to warmly thank Wojciech Zielinski for participating to World VFX Day, alongside Harry Bardak. His detailed insights offered a rare glimpse into the production of Halo – Season 2, serving as an invaluable resource for the VFX community. It was truly a privilege to hear directly from the show’s Production VFX Supervisor, whose passion and expertise continue to inspire artists and fans alike.
If you want to catch up with all the talks of 2024 World VFX Day and learn more from professionals from around the globe, click here !