OUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE OFFICIAL TRAILER
"Our House is on Fire" is a remarkable student film directed by Micaa Thomas, seamlessly blending live action and 3D elements. This ambitious project brought together a talented team of over 20 artists specializing in visual effects, motion media, and film sponsorship. The overarching objective of this film was to shed light on the detrimental and nearly irreversible consequences resulting from the selfish actions of world leaders and corporations. These actions have significantly disrupted the stability of the global climate, echoing the urgent message delivered by Greta Thunberg in her Ted Talk titled "The Disarming Case to Act Right Now on Climate Change".
FILM FESTIVALS 2020 RECOGNITIONS
OIL MINING & CORAL REEFS
2020
Tools :
Houdini | Mantra
My Contribution:
In my role, I assumed responsibility for lighting two crucial scenes in the film: the oil mining sequence and the coral reef shots. Each scene presented unique challenges and required distinct moods and time-of-day settings as per the given references.
When approaching the oil mining shot, I paid meticulous attention to replicating the realistic interplay between the harshness of shadows and the exposure of sunlight, drawing inspiration from real-world references. This allowed me to create an authentic and immersive environment that conveyed the desired mood.
Conversely, for the coral reef shot, I delved into the intricacies of light penetration through water and its interaction with the vibrant coral reefs. Through careful study and observation, I endeavored to capture the ethereal beauty and the delicate balance of lighting in this underwater scene.
By applying my knowledge and understanding of these specific lighting challenges, I aimed to bring depth, authenticity, and visual impact to both sequences, enriching the overall storytelling experience.
Challenges:
One of the most significant challenges I encountered was lighting the underwater coral reef shots. This was a new experience for me as I had never lit an "underwater" scene before, presenting a unique set of difficulties. To overcome this challenge, I dedicated myself to studying the intricate behavior of light as it travels through water and interacts with the coral formations. I observed that the colors of light underwent notable transformations depending on the water's depth, while the references I examined were characterized by a flood of luminosity.
Another hurdle I faced was effectively conveying the desired hazy and contaminated appearance of the water. Achieving this effect proved to be quite demanding, but with the invaluable assistance of FX artists, we were able to bring the vision to life. Their expertise and collaborative efforts made it possible to create the desired atmospheric elements within the underwater setting.
Through thorough research, collaboration, and dedication, we successfully tackled the challenges posed by lighting the underwater coral reef shots, ensuring that the visuals accurately portrayed the mesmerizing qualities of this unique environment.
Inspirations and References:
