The Visual Effects Behind Once Upon a Time: Bringing Disney’s Animated Characters to Life

Summary

In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by the FX crew at Zoic Studios in translating the world of Disney’s incredible animated characters to the live-action TV show Once Upon a Time on AB. We will delve into the studio’s use of green screen technology, specialized software, and their production process to create fully digital characters and set extensions for the show.

Green Screen Technology and Zeus Production Process
Specialized Software for Production
Challenges of Creating Fully Digital Characters
Set Extension Work and Future Plans
Conclusion

Green Screen Technology and Zeus Production Process

Zoic Studios has been an industry pioneer in using green screen technology in virtual sets, using the Emmy award-winning Lightcraft technology. This technology allows entire worlds of the show to be pre-visualized on a green screen stage as part of the team’s Zeus production process. The team uses specialized tools such as iPad apps like Zeus Scout and complex integrated shotgun production software that allows multiple shows to be done at one time, with two entire crews overlapping on alternate weeks’ episodes.

Specialized Software for Production

The studio has invested in specialized software, including Krakatoa and Fracture, and automated tracking software. The team uses these tools to create environment and set extension work, which is a crucial aspect of the show’s production. The team can create additional locations such as the pivotal clock tower and Gold’s pawn shop that are only added in post-production.

Challenges of Creating Fully Digital Characters

This season, the focus has been on bringing characters from the hit film Frozen to the show’s hometown of Storybrook. Characters such as Grand Babb, voiced by John Rhys-Davie, and the gigantic hulking snowman affectionately known as Marshmallow, were just two of the key fully CG characters introduced this season. The team faces the challenge of creating these characters for the current episode’s requirement, but then they may come back in just a few weeks’ time, or never be seen again. Fans of the show are hoping that Regina’s spells don’t last forever and that Elsa’s bodyguard Marshmallow can return later this season.

Set Extension Work and Future Plans

Principal photography takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia. Even while those Frozen characters are being integrated into their scene, there’s also a bunch of key set extension work that has to go on. It’s believed that the characters from another Disney film, Maleficent, are set to visit Storybrooke later this season, thanks to the craft of the visual effects team.

Conclusion

The FX crew at Zoic Studios has had their work cut out for them this season, translating the world of Disney’s incredible animated characters to the live-action TV show Once Upon a Time. The team’s use of green screen technology, specialized software, and their production process have allowed them to create fully digital characters and set extensions for the show. Fans of the show are eagerly anticipating the arrival of more Disney characters, and we can’t wait to see what the visual effects team will create next.