"Second Tour" is the eighth feature film by acclaimed French director Albert Dupontel. The film follows Nathalie Pove (Cécile de France), a political journalist who has been relegated to covering football news, as she unexpectedly finds herself reporting on the current presidential campaign. The leading candidate, Pierre-Henri Mercier (Albert Dupontel) — the scion of a powerful French family and a political newcomer — piques Nathalie's curiosity. When she realizes that he is an old acquaintance with a murkier past than he lets on, Nathalie launches into a thrilling investigation. Her journey takes her from high-stakes political rallies to the remote French countryside, unraveling a web of conspiracy and deep-seated family secrets.
The film was primarily shot indoors at the Bry-sur-Marne studios in France, with additional outdoor scenes filmed in the south of France. It required an extensive amount of visual effects, overseen by Cedric Fayolle, a long-time collaborator of director Albert Dupontel. The Yard was entrusted to be the main VFX studio on this challenging project.
The Yard team created a wide range of both visible and seamless effects that helped bring the story to life. The scope of their work included various set extensions, digital inlays, fully CGI shots, and extensive compositing. Some of the most challenging scenes required the creation of digital crowds to fill large interiors, such as stadiums and political meeting halls. The team also performed character effects, including de-aging and the integration of twins in the same shot through double passes. Additionally, The Yard developed various assets, such as digital cars, and delivered a dramatic car explosion for an accident scene.
WATCH OUR VFX SHOWREEL
BEFORES/AFTERS
