CHALLENGERS SHOT BREAKDOWN - An in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how the ZERO team, lead by VFX Supervisors Brian Drewes and Don Libby, created the breathtaking final scene of Luca Guadagnino's Challengers 🧵1/8

Started with a previs pass, animated to the timing of an actual tennis volley, which was approved by Luca prior to filming.

Filming was supervised by the VFX team along with the second unit camera crew. Editorial support was on set to confirm cut points were working as we were filming.

Filmed during a 5 hour window with an Arri Alexa LF on a 30' technocrane.

23 individual shots were stitched together to create the final 24 second shot seen in the film.

Full LiDar and photogrammetry scans of the tennis court environment were captured to help create the final models. 100+ actors and background extras were also photoscanned to populate the stands of our CG environment.

Full CG camera and environment to smooth camera motion and correct time of day changes.

Stunt double faces were replaced with a combination of full CG heads and additional photography.

@challengersmov I fully respect your job, I liked the shot and it CLEARLY works. Now, I do wonder. Having so little camera-work and so much post-production -magic-. Do you feel this still can be called cinema?

@challengersmov @IAmCreeSummer

@challengersmov Truly amazing stuff @ZeroVFX Congratulations to all who worked on it. @challengersmov was a visual treat (with an awesome soundtrack). I TOLD YA