The film Cold Storage, directed by Jonny Campbell, combines horror and science fiction with a leak of an infectious fungus from an underground vault. MPC Paris took on the challenge of creating 541 visual effects shots over 18 months, ranging from creature evolution to digital environments and massive destruction. Supervisor Nikolas D'Andrade noted that it was the most ambitious project for the studio, requiring coordination across disciplines to maintain visual coherence.
Prosthetics and pixels: the technical fusion behind the fungus 🧬
To achieve a retro aesthetic, MPC Paris collaborated with Igor Studio on prosthetics and animatronics, combining practical effects with digital enhancements. Without previsualization due to the tight schedule, the team adopted an intuitive and adaptive workflow. Discussions about the fungus's color were extensive, settling on a mix of vegetable greens with verdigris tones to give it an organic and threatening appearance. The infection required consistency at every stage, from spores to mature forms.
The color of the fungus: a debate more tense than the plot 🍄
The team debated for weeks whether the fungus should be lime green, moss green, or sickly green. In the end, they opted for a verdigris tone reminiscent of forgotten fruit in the fridge. The funny thing is, while the protagonists run to save the world, the visual artists were more concerned about whether the fungus looked like an overripe avocado. At least no one suggested bubblegum pink, which would have ruined the horror.