RENO

A short drama film, supported by MyWorld & Lux Aeterna

Set in the near future, RENO combines cinematic storytelling with research-led innovation, bringing our VFX work into a high-concept sci-fi drama.

Set in a remote seed bank, RENO follows biotechnologist Dr Imani Njeri as she builds a deep companionship with her personal AGI assistant - RENO - whilst safeguarding the world's most vital seeds from future extinction. Exploring real-world anxieties around climate fragility and food security, it poses an important question: what happens when our creations begin to define our world?

RENO was filmed on the MyWorld virtual production stage at The Sheds, a globally unique facility which features a 9m x 3.5m LED virtual production volume and a 220m2 stage area. We utilised Unreal Engine to bring our strengths in crafting high-end VFX to the volume, creating beautiful, dynamic environments that could be captured on the Arri Alexa camera tracked by a 28-camera Vicon motion capture system.

We formulated innovative machine learning processes that streamlined and enhanced creative workflows, engineered through the development of ‘RENO’, the AGI orb character of the film’s title. The orb was built as a physical prop and tracked using a motion capture system, which enabled us to treat it not just as an effect to be added later, but as a performative element, with interactive lighting emitted from the orb, that the cast could act alongside in real time. We applied machine learning tools to replace more time-consuming manual rotoscoping, producing a clean and natural visual effect, so the orb moves convincingly.

This flexible, responsive VFX pipeline departs from traditionally rigid production processes, and enabled us to experiment creatively in the making of the film, without compromising production deadlines and resources.