Milk standing by for Thunderbirds action
Milk is working with ITV Studios as the creative and collaborative VFX production hub for the forthcoming reimagining of Gerry Anderson’s classic sci-fi TV show – Thunderbirds are Go!
The 26 x 30 minute series is set to premiere on CITV and internationally this Spring.
Working in close collaboration with ITV Studios, Milk has established a seamless international visual effects workflow to bring together CGI characters and vehicles, Weta Workshop’s live-action miniatures and post viz plates from Pukeko Pictures.
In order to manage 400 shots per episode over an eighteen-month period, Milk has created a bespoke pipeline for every Thunderbirds are Go shot to composite each shot together and to create and apply the signature finished look with 2D effects. Even live-action plates with no CG are given treatment by Milk to ensure complete continuity of style throughout.
Milk has also developed and created key environments integral to the story including underwater, space and storm scenes and created the lighting for the CG Thunderbirds vehicles.
The London visual effects house is working closely with series director David Scott to achieve the iconic look of the new series in every shot – to bring a filmic feel with heavy grain and shallow depth of field.
Milk’s brief was to create the illusion that the CG is indistinguishable from live action, keeping a strong visual link to the classic series yet imparting a digital feel.
“The challenge of pulling together a vast amount of data on an international scale, within a tight schedule called for a unique workflow solution,” said Will Cohen, Milk’s CEO and Executive Producer said. “In collaborating with everyone involved we have been able to make that happen. We are proud to have contributed to this iconic TV event by coming up with a filmic look and treatment for the series.”
