Working on everything from floating felines to mysterious jump points, The Third Floor LA and London collaborated with the filmmakers to depict science fiction and super-powered concepts, effects and action set pieces from pre-production through post.
In the previs phase, storytelling and pacing were explored for scenes like Captain Marvel and Goose free-falling from their ship to investigate an anomaly on a dead planet, and creative and fun beats where Carol, Kamala and Monica discover that their powers entangle and they swap places when using them. The characters begin to master these abilities across multiple locations. Looks and function for jump points, light-based powers and other cosmic effects were explored and evolved through visualization as well.
Carol floats outside her spacecraft in The Marvels, Previs frame, The Third Floor, © MARVEL
The team created techvis with VFX to depict sun positions, shadows and the behavior of elements in space, guided by a real scientist hired for the production. Accurate details, such as the S.A.B.E.R. Space Station’s path and distance from Earth, were based on real-life information, allowing shots to be developed that were grounded in scientific accuracy. Techvis was also key for planning helicopter shots and camera paths as characters navigate diverse environments.
Some CG elements were visualized directly from set using The Third Floor’s Cyclops virtual production tool. This included views of CG spaceship interiors in real time on stage. Across post production, plates and live-shot photography were combined with CG previs to deliver working postvis versions for editorial and screenings.
Production plate, © MARVEL
Postvis, © MARVEL
Final VFX shot, © MARVEL
“We collaborated closely with VFX, the DP and filmmakers to build previs from rough boards and help develop looks and effects based on the director’s love of real-world science,” said Visualization Supervisor Patrick Haskew. “We were also able to produce previs and techvis at Pinewood Studios during the shoot and work alongside editorial and VFX throughout post production. It was great to be part of the storytelling process from start to finish, as three heroes, one villain and a multitude of kittens coming together across the vastness of space – a real treat for a space nerd like me!”
“Stop running and let the kittens eat you. You will be fine.” – S.A.B.E.R. Intercom. Visualization of “Flerkitten” action/effects, The Third Floor, © MARVEL
Final VFX shot, © MARVEL
Flerkittens floating in zero gravity, Previs, The Third Floor, © MARVEL
Final VFX shot, © MARVEL
