BBC's Alien Spectacle: First Contact FX & Graphics

The Brief

We were tasked with creating VFX and motion graphics for the BBC production ‘First Contact,’ a thought-provoking film that explores humanity's response to the discovery of an alien artefact in our solar system. The project aimed to evoke a grounded, meditative, and experiential mood, distinct from traditional Hollywood blockbusters. 

Client

BBC Studios

Year delivered

2022

What we did

We created essential VFX and graphics, enhancing the film’s unique narrative. Our scope covered various deliverables and a close collaboration with director Nic Stacey and cinematographer Brendan McGinty ensured a seamless blend with the film's vision. 

We completed the project over a duration of nine months, using Maya, Houdini, Cinema 4D, and After Effects for modelling, rendering, composition, and effects. We also adopted a number of analogue methods, such as projection and distortion to add an extraordinary textured touch to the typography and effects. 

Here is a brief snapshot of the deliverables: 

1. Alien signal visualisation

Multiple iterations visualised the alien signal, driven by Houdini simulations. The design balanced beauty, layered information, and realism, rendered in Cinema 4D.

2. 3D VFX for space events

Detailed 3D models of space objects like the Voyager, Kepler Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope and the alien artefact were crafted using Maya and Houdini. Nuke integrated these models seamlessly.

3. 2/2.5D real-world data

Real stills of cities from space were transformed into captivating shots using After Effects.

4. Enhancing Hubble Star Field stills

A creative mix of Houdini-generated clouds and filmed ink drops breathed life into cosmic scenes. We used After Effects to craft nebulae and star-scapes.

5. GFX – captions, subtitles, and title sequences 

Graphic design elements were crucial – achieved through projection, distortion, and re-filming, adding analogue charm.

The results

Our work on ‘First Contact’ showcases our commitment to pushing creative boundaries and delivering visuals that elevate storytelling. Expertise in crafting accurate space visuals and a strong collaboration between production and post teams resulted in stunning cinematics that relay authenticity. 

First Contact was broadcast on BBC, PBS, and NHK in Japan in late 2022. 

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