In the realm of cinematic visual wizardry, VFX Legion has once more showcased its extraordinary prowess, taking center stage as the primary visual effects studio behind the intense thriller, The Passenger.
Directed by Carter Smith, known for his work on Swallowed, this gripping hostage thriller is part of a compelling collection of eight horror genre films exclusively developed and produced by Blumhouse for MGM+.
The Passenger unfolds the harrowing narrative of two employees at a gritty burger joint: Benson, played by Kyle Gallner, a tightly wound individual, and Randy, portrayed by Johnny Berchtold, a timid and submissive character. The breaking point is reached when relentless bullying forces Randy to consume a putrid burger. In response, Benson retrieves a shotgun from his car and embarks on a merciless rampage, taking Randy hostage. Watch the intense trailer below:
The task at hand for VFX Legion was to craft a diverse array of digital effects, creating a visceral and impactful portrayal of violence throughout the film. This included digitally rendered muzzle flashes, bullet hits, blood splatters, and other gruesome imagery. Notably, the team executed a technically challenging long, continuous shot with precision.
The Passenger demanded the finesse of invisible effects to build dramatic tension. VFX Legion’s skilled artists seamlessly replaced real-world objects with computer-generated counterparts, digitally removed elements captured during filming, and enhanced footage shot at multiple locations to align seamlessly with the film’s storyline. Watch the magic in the effects trailer below:
Known for its remote global visual effects capabilities, VFX Legion meticulously assembled a team tailored to the unique demands of the film. VFX supervisor Blake Anderson led the production, efficiently delivering over 60 high-quality visual shots for The Passenger.
The core team of artists strategically operated across various locations in British Columbia, capitalizing on the province’s substantial tax incentives.
REELated:
Co-founder James David Hattin provided creative direction, ensuring that the visual effects seamlessly aligned with the director’s vision, thus providing a cohesive and captivating cinematic experience. During preproduction, VFX Legion worked closely with the Blumhouse team, devising a comprehensive approach to dynamic sequences and ensuring a harmonious integration of CGI with practical footage.
VFX Legion’s longstanding partnership with Blumhouse commenced in 2013, when the pioneering fully remote visual effects company first emerged. Since then, they’ve contributed their talents to a diverse range of films, including Black Phone, Unhuman, Black as Night, Bingo Hell, Black Box, Nocturnal, MA, Manor, Madres, Merry Christmas, The Keeping Hours, Lowriders, The Veil, Purge: Election Year, The Gift, Jem and the Holograms, Insidious: Chapter 3, and Stretch.
For those eager to embark on this gripping cinematic journey, The Passenger is currently available for streaming on digital platforms.
CREDITS:
- Title: The Passenger
- Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Drama
- Release Date: August 4, 2023
- Distributed by: MGM+
- Production Company: Blumhouse Television
- Directed By: Carter Smith
- Written By: Jack Stanley
- Executive Producers: Jason Blum, Lauren Downey, Chris Dickie, Jeremy Gold
- Producers: Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, Paige Pemberton
- Cinematographer: Lyn Moncrief
- Visual Effects by – VFX Legion LA | B.C
- Visual Effects Supervisor: Blake Anderson
- Creative Director: James David Hattin
- Visual Effects Producer: Antonio Gallardo
- Head of Production: Nate Smalley
- Digital Compositors: Nolan Conrad, David Goody, Hong Kyoung Kim, Kate T.C. Lin, Lauren Morimoto, Vicki Silva
- Tracking Artist: Ruy Delgado
- Chief Technology Officer: Dylan Yastremski
In The Passenger, VFX Legion has once again raised the bar for cinematic visual effects, enriching the viewing experience and adding depth to the storytelling of this thrilling hostage drama.
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