Post-production professionals have long touted the flexibility and creative freedom offered by DaVinci Resolve Studio. A recent project, sci-fi adventure '2036 Origin Unknown', showcased the power of this workflow in delivering high-quality visual effects (VFX) under tight deadlines.
Innovative Workflow Delivers VFX-Heavy Film
Directed by HaZ Dulull and starring Katee Sackhoff, '2036 Origin Unknown' tests the relationship between humanity and technology. Editor Will Steer and colorist Maria Chamberlain from Goldcrest Post delivered the film's post-production using DaVinci Resolve Studio.
The duo adopted a unique, layered approach to their pipeline developed by Dulull and Associate Producer Paula Crickard. This allowed for separate layers for on-screen graphics and VFX work, as well as each camera package, which had different color spaces.
Flexibility Key to Meeting Tight Deadline
'Within Resolve, we had separate layers for on screen graphics and visual effects work, as well as for each of the camera packages, which all had different color spaces,' explained Steer. 'When it came to the grade, Maria could turn everything else off and just work within a specific layer.'
The ability to manipulate VFX work directly in Resolve was another timesaver. 'Adding realistic detail to shots is normally done in compositing software, but we could do this directly in Resolve with built-in plugins such as grain, lens flares, camera shake and motion blur,' said Steer.
Real-Time Collaboration and Creative Freedom
Maria added that the workflow allowed for real-time collaboration and creative freedom. 'During the grade, we adjusted the timing of the button illumination on Mack's main control desk to suit the story at any given point, as well as manipulating A.R.T.I.'s responses by refining color and timings that were already mapped out in the layer.'
The team also had access to all assets needed for screen graphics and monitor UIs on separate layers, allowing easy access to color, position, and sizing live on the timeline.