Alien: Romulus, the collision of practical effects and VFX

Being one of the most highly anticipated movies of the summer, Alien: Romulus  is bringing back the infamous saga for another spin. Hitting theatres on the 16th August, we’re prepping the popcorn for this one!

Not only have the production team taken on this monster franchise, they’re building it for REAL. Using an immense amount of props, animatronics and puppets, made by the OGs from Aliens. Spaceships, sets and indeed our aliens have been crafted to provide the actors and the audience a real sense of fear.  

"For the creatures, we brought in all the guys from 'Aliens.' They were in their early twenties when they made 'Aliens,' and they were a part of Stan Winston's [special effects] team. And now we had them at the top of their game. They have their own shops, and so we brought them all together to work on all the creatures , because we went with all animatronics and puppets at every level. I even got the chance to be under the table with them, puppeteering all these animatronics."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTNMt84KT0k

"Everything had to be built so we were really living and breathing in these spaces. But I'm not an anti-CG guy. I come from a background where I know how to build the effects myself. I still do VFX shots in my movies to this day. It's just whatever is best for the shot, and when it comes to face-to-face encounters and moments with creatures, nothing beats the real thing."

The interquel has used a significant amount of puppeteering and animatronics for the base of its visual effects. Despite media headlines rolling with the ‘no green screens’ quote, implying a lack of CGI, the incredible VFX work cannot be forgotten…

The film was created not only with practical effects, but a myriad of VFX studios collaborating for this feature film, including:

• ILM

• Fin Design + Effects

• Image Engine

• Tippett Studio

• Weta FX

• Wylie Co.

• Atomic Arts

The production VFX Supervisor is Eric Barba and the production VFX Producer is Annemarie Griggs.

We’ll getting our tickets trying to figure out what’s real and what’s VFX, after all, the best CGI work is invisible to the viewer.

Have you got production, VFX and animation skills that are feature film worthy? Our team are recruiting for the best talent in the industry and it could be you. Reach out to our team for more: joe.bungey@mustardjobs.com // tel:+1 (737) 708 6694