The series Young Sherlock, which explores the early days of the famous detective, has used discreet visual effects to transport us to the 19th century. The studio BlueBolt was tasked with erasing any modern traces from the London streets and expanding scenes with explosions that look real. All so that the viewer doesn't suspect there are green screens behind the pipe and magnifying glass.
BlueBolt and the Magic of What Isn't Seen 🎭
BlueBolt's work focused on removing anachronistic elements such as antennas, cars, and traffic signs, as well as digitally extending streets and buildings to add more depth to the shots. They also recreated explosions with simulated fluid dynamics, avoiding the use of real gunpowder. The goal was for the viewer not to notice the trick, achieving a coherent setting without breaking the historical illusion. A precision job that goes unnoticed.
Explosions That Don't Stain Holmes' Frock Coat 💥
The funniest part is that while young Sherlock deduces clues, a team of digital artists was sweating over erasing a 21st-century dumpster or a mobile phone antenna. The explosions look so real that you half expect the detective to pull out a cigar and say: elementary, my dear... effects technician. In the end, the biggest mystery of the series is how they managed to make a papier-mâché set look like real Victorian London.