In a collaboration with Arrow Media, Little Shadow took on the ambitious task of creating the visual effects for “Shark Attack 360,” an 8-part series for Sharkfest 2024. This series, lead by acclaimed marine biologist, Diva Amon dives deep into the world of shark bites, with her team of specialists, investigating and unravelling the mysteries behind the creatures.
Setting the Stage: The Vision and Approach
The clear directive from Executive Producer Nick Metcalfe and Series Producer Laura Offer was to enhance the ‘360’ Lab’, making it larger, more immersive, and filled with dynamic shark encounters. With this vision in mind, Little Shadow utilised their hybrid Virtual Production (VP) technology to craft sequences that would elevate the visual impact beyond that of the previous series.
The emphasis was on ensuring that the sharks looked breathtaking, but credible, both in terms of anatomical accuracy and movement. Collaborating closely with shark expert Stephen M. Kajiura, the team created a variety of anatomically correct sharks, complete with detailed internal anatomy. The VFX team developed advanced animation rigs to control muscle movement and soft body dynamics, resulting in lifelike swimming, turning, reacting, and attacking motions.
Innovation in Interaction: Introducing C.O.R.A.L.
As the project progressed, the need for a novel way to interact with data in the lab became apparent. Enter C.O.R.A.L. (Computational Oceanic Research and Analysis Logic), an AI system conceptualized by Little Shadow. This system, capable of accessing and analysing global data and examining shark anatomy, played a crucial role in the shot planning process. It allowed Diva, to interact with the environment and the sharks seamlessly throughout the series.
Bringing the Vision to Life: Location and Filming
The shoot took place at the iconic Collins Music Hall in Islington, London. This multistorey, underground rotunda, though unfinished, provided the perfect brutalist backdrop for the series. To ensure unrestricted movement through the location, Little Shadow collaborated with Lidar Lounge to create a detailed Lidar scan of the space. This digital twin served as the foundation for planning every shot in intricate detail.
During a two-week planning session, the team, including Series Director Martin Cass and Director of Photography Mathew Beckett, used Unreal Engine to create animated previz sequences. These sequences incorporated all shark animations, camera setups, props, and lighting, providing a clear roadmap for the shoot.
On-Set Magic: Technology Meets Creativity
On set, the A camera was a Sony FX9 with a Zeiss suite of CP.3 XD lenses, supported by Ncam camera tracking (now ZEISS CinCraft Scenario). Two additional FX6 cameras served as the B and C cameras. A large greenscreen at one end of the location acted as a portal to the ocean and other environments, real-time composites with sharks swimming around Diva and her team.
The tracked camera was linked directly to the Unreal Engine previz, allowing the crew and Diva to see the virtual sharks and props in real-time. This innovative setup drastically reduced turnaround times for shots and their setups. The crew quickly adapted to the new technology, designing creative shot compositions and making real-time adjustments to assets as needed.
Post-Production Brilliance
The raw camera footage, along with camera tracking data, was processed through Little Shadow’s on-set VP Box, allowing live matte passes and composites of Diva with keyed backgrounds, sharks, and props to be recorded on every take. This enabled the creation of sequence edits, including composites, within hours of the shoot, allowing for quick review by executives and the channel.
In post-production, Little Shadow seamlessly blended real-world photography with the digital twin of the lab, staying true to the original brief. The lab scenes featured a variety of environments, from the open ocean to murky riverbeds, shipwrecks, and even views of the Earth and Moon. These elements played a pivotal role in the investigation process, creating a versatile space where Diva, her team, and the digital sharks could coexist.
A Collaborative Triumph
Simon Percy, Director at Little Shadow, remarked, “Without question, this was one of the most collaborative projects we have ever worked on. The Arrow Media Team had an ambitious vision but showed unparalleled trust and gave us creative freedom, allowing us to push the boundaries of the genre by combining the latest technologies with one of the oldest creatures on the planet.”
The success of “Shark Attack 360” is a testament to the incredible teamwork and innovation involved. Little Shadow extends a heartfelt thank you to Arrow Media and the entire LS team for their dedication and creativity. Special thanks also go to Lidar Lounge, Bigsmall TV, Asa Bailey, Zeiss Ncam, Blender, Epic, Unreal Engine, and JangaFX for their invaluable contributions.
Catch “Shark Attack 360” now airing on Nat Geo WILD and embark on an unparalleled journey into the world of sharks.
Statistics
Little Shadow created Titles, Promos, 36 sequences, comprising 256 shots and 45 minutes of VFX for the series.
Jon Creamer
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