An accident in military facilities triggered the creation of a post-apocalyptic world where a mutagenic fog transforms everything it touches. The production required the construction of two watchtowers in a canyon, representing the geopolitical division of the Cold War.
Creating a Mutant Ecosystem
The Framestore team developed over 500 visual shots that included:
- A contaminated gorge with toxic atmospheres
- Hybrid creatures between vegetation and fauna
- Multi-level fog effects
"The biggest challenge was balancing the organic with the supernatural, creating believable creatures but alien to our world"
Anatomy of the Hollow Men
These creatures combine:
- Vegetal structures like branches and bark
- Recognizable human traits in faces and postures
- Movements that follow real physical principles
To achieve this, motion capture was blended with manual animation, preserving actors' facial expressions while digitally transforming their bodies.
Innovative Techniques for Toxic Environments
The mutagenic fog was composed of multiple layers that interacted with the lighting. Each zone of the canyon featured distinct characteristics:
- Yellow area: Withered vegetation and bony structures
- Purple zone: More advanced mutations with humanoid forms
Key Action Sequences
Two technically complex moments stand out:
- The vertical ascent of a vehicle up the canyon wall
- The final explosion sequence that destroys the ecosystem
Both required detailed physical simulations and interactive lighting effects.