Thunivu is a South Indian movie in which we crafted a sequence that tells the story of a group of gangsters who plot to steal money from a bank. However, when they execute their plan, they discover that a mysterious man already hijacked the bank. The movie is set in a fictional world, where technology and crime are rampant.
We are The Hyphn, a group of enthusiastic and inventive CGI and VFX artists who created the entire CGI sequence for this movie. We made a whole scene with CGI and VFX to show the storyline, using futuristic and accurate environments and characters. In this blog, we will tell you how we did it, and what challenges we faced along the way.
The Concept behind the CGI/VFX of Thunivu
The first step in creating any CGI sequence is to have a clear concept of what we want to achieve. For Thunivu, we had to create a bank robbery scene that was thrilling, realistic, and sci-fi at the same time. We had to design the bank, the vehicles, the weapons, the characters, and the effects that would make the scene come alive.
We started by doing some research on existing movies and games that had similar themes and styles. We looked at movies like Blade Runner 2049, Ghost in the Shell, and The Matrix, as well as games like Cyberpunk 2077, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and Watch Dogs. We also studied some real-life examples of bank robberies and heists, such as the 2006 Securitas depot robbery in England, the 2010 Antwerp diamond heist in Belgium, and the 2018 Banco Central burglary in Brazil.
We then brainstormed some ideas and sketches for each element of the scene. We used Photoshop and Illustrator to create some concept art and mood boards that captured the vision and tone of the scene. We also created some storyboards that showed the sequence of events and actions in the scene.
The Modeling
The next step was to create all of the 3D models and textures from scratch. This was more time-consuming and challenging, but it gave us more control over the final look of the CGI sequence. We used Cinema 4D as our main software for modeling, as it has powerful tools for creating complex shapes and details.
We modeled each element of the scene separately, starting with the bank. We wanted to create a bank that looked futuristic and secure, but also had some traces of decay and corruption. We added some elements like neon signs, holograms, security cameras, metal bars, and graffiti to give it some personality and contrast.
We then modeled the vehicles that were used by the gangsters and the mysterious man. We wanted to create vehicles that looked fast and sleek, but also had some modifications and weapons that suited their purpose. We added some elements like spoilers, turbines, lasers, rockets, and spikes to give them some edge and functionality.
We then modeled the weapons that were used by both sides. We wanted to create weapons that looked realistic and deadly, but also had some sci-fi features that made them unique. We added some elements like plasma bullets, laser sights, silencers, and grenades to give them some variety and power.
Finally, we modeled the characters that were involved in the scene. We wanted to create characters that looked human and believable, but also had some enhancements and accessories that matched their roles. We added some elements like cybernetic implants, tattoos, masks, goggles, and jackets to give them some identity and style.
We used Octane Renderer as our main software for texturing, as it has realistic materials and lighting effects. We textured each element of the scene with high-resolution maps that gave them color, detail, reflection, roughness, and bumpiness. We also used some procedural textures that generated patterns and noises based on mathematical algorithms.
The Animation
The next step was to animate each element of the scene with realistic movements and behaviours. This was more difficult and demanding, but it gave us more dynamism and excitement for the CGI sequence. We used After Effects as our main software for animation, as it has flexible tools for creating keyframes and curves. We animated each element of the scene separately, starting with the bank. We wanted to create a bank that looked alive and interactive, but also had some glitches and malfunctions. We animated some elements like neon signs, holograms, security cameras, metal bars, and graffiti to give them some motion and variation.
We then animated the vehicles that were used by the gangsters and the mysterious man. We wanted to create vehicles that looked fast and agile, but also had some collisions and explosions. We animated some elements like spoilers, turbines, lasers, rockets, and spikes to give them some speed and action. We then animated the weapons that were used by both sides. We wanted to create weapons that looked realistic and deadly, but also had some effects and sounds. We animated some elements like plasma bullets, laser sights, silencers, and grenades to give them some impact and noise.
Finally, we animated the characters that were involved in the scene. We wanted to create characters that looked human and believable, but also had some expressions and emotions. We animated some elements like cybernetic implants, tattoos, masks, goggles, and jackets to give them some personality and mood. We used FCP as our main software for editing, as it has powerful tools for cutting, trimming, and arranging clips. We edited each element of the scene with smooth transitions and timings that matched the storyboard and the soundtrack. We also added some effects like motion blur, depth of field, and colour grading to give them some polish and consistency.
The Result
The final step was to render and export the CGI sequence as a video file that could be integrated into the movie. This was more time-consuming and resource-intensive, but it gave us more satisfaction and pride for the CGI sequence. We used Octane Renderer as our main software for rendering, as it has realistic materials and lighting effects. We rendered each element of the scene with high-quality settings that gave them sharpness, clarity, and realism. We also used some techniques like global illumination, ambient occlusion, and caustics to give them some depth, shadow, and reflection.
We exported the CGI sequence as a 4K video file. We also compressed the video file with a codec that reduced its size without compromising its quality. We then delivered the video file to the movie director and producer, who were very impressed and happy with our work.
We are very proud of the CGI sequence that we created for Thunivu. We think that it is a stunning and captivating piece of art that enhances the movie and its story. We hope that you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.
Thank you for reading our blog. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. 😊
This is The Hyphn, signing off. Have a great day!
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