Short Film Robot VFX

In 2011, James created a prototype 3d model for ‘Proto’, a short film venture between Screen South and Film Fyn. James then created a set of visual effects test shots which helped secure funding.

In order to achieve photorealistic VFX, James captured a full range of exposures from a HDRI light probe, which was then used to light the 3D scene. The camera motion was tracked using PfTrack so that Proto would sit on the filmed plate correctly.

Despite the test shots being a huge success, the robot was redesigned to suit a more ‘younger’ look, however the original still makes a cameo in the film.

‘PROTO’ is a sci-fi action adventure, about a child-like, experimental robot, set in the robotics lab where he has been built. Directed by Nick Pittom, it was filmed as an international co-production between Screen South based in the UK and Film Fyn based in Denmark. It was shot in August 2011 at Robocluster in Denmark, a genuine working robotics lab and completed in June 2012, before going on to its premiere showing in early 2013.