Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of The Creator

Go behind-the-scenes and explore the Academy Award®-nominated visual effects that Industrial Light & Magic and their partners brought to life for Gareth Edwards' The Creator in this expansive and in-depth breakdown reel. A team of artists from around the globe handcrafted this picture alongside our visionary director Gareth Edwards, and we could not be more proud of what we accomplished together. For Your Consideration. #FYC #HumanArtistry
Director
Gareth Edwards
Production Designer
James Clyne
Production Visual Effects Supervisor
Jay Cooper
ILM Visual Effects Supervisors
Ian Comley
Charmaine Chan
ILM On Set Visual Effects Supervisor
Andrew Roberts
ILM Associate Visual Effects Supervisor
Trevor Hazel
ILM Animation Supervisors
Michael Midlock
Christopher Potter
ILM Executive Visual Effects Producer
Katherine Farrar Bluff
ILM Visual Effects Producers
Keith Anthony-Brown Rachel Galbraith
Danielle Legovich
Ale Melendez
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Founded by George Lucas in 1975, ILM creates iconic moments that inspire the imagination.

[@EthanHarket]

The fact this movie had a $80 million budget and looked this good should make big studios question where their budget is going. The Creator shows that a good vision and a crew with good eyes & talent can achieve what many spend tens of millions to even hundreds of millions to some what come close to this movie.

[@seanhauer2861]

The director used the $5000 Sony FX3 camera paired with an anamorphic lens with special rigging which also helped keep the budget lower. The director and cinematographer are beyond excellent in their field.

[@aronmacias8723]

​@@ingamedetails XD The Creator > Godzilla Minus One

[@MINECRAFTandSEB]

what@@ingamedetails

[@cryptidliker5294]

@@ingamedetails *12

[@darthdingus7439]

Mostly hiring capable but still smaller named actors also helped keep the budget down. Ken Watanabe was probably the most well known of the bunch.

[@rano12321]

The tracking, matchmove and the roto team deserves a weeklong holiday in the Bahamas with every food they could ask for after this movie.

[@AlexisRivera3D]

Matchmove is a pain in the ass, I wonder how they did it

[@user-fc2ci7fm8d]

EXACTLY! @@AlexisRivera3D

[@user-fc2ci7fm8d]

RIGHT ON!

[@se7en28]

Why don't films that know they're going to use VFX use a depth or lidar camera/sensor attached to their rig? I feel like that would solve sooo many problems. Hell every iphone and ipad pro even has one now. A hokuyo or pro laser sensor could help generate a depth map for every frame that would save a lot of time.

[@user-fc2ci7fm8d]

That's true! I am pretty sure some one is doing testing with that useful tech! @@se7en28

[@MattproThe]

It's always a pleasure to sit and watch ILM Vfx/CGI breakdowns

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

This film and Godzilla Minus One proved that you don't need to break the bank to make a blockbuster with amazing visual effects.

[@rezaardiansyah1034]

this movie will forever have a special place in my heart

[@500features]

would love to hear why?

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

This really was a good film. People called it "derivative" of movies we'd already seen before like Blade Runner or Chappie with elements right out of Children of Men.

[@tylerjames805]

@@_GeneralMechanics_I liked the kind of Cyberpunk Vietnam look the film had

[@StevenLarson]

It's almost funny how simple they make each shot look. This is incredible craftsmanshift from all departments, let alone the NUKE compositors. Really well done!

[@BlackStudiosXR]

I get all the 3d and fx happening, i just dont know how can you guys make such perfect masks with moving out of focus hair, plants, dust. Blows my mind.

[@blackspear217]

the footage shot from block buster movies have an extreme dynamic range and are usually around 8K (IMAX 64mm is 18k). They're later compressed down to 4k or 2k but VFX artists will often work with these giant files to pull high definition masks, integrate seamless cgi and match lighting. Ofcourse, this is not the only reason. These are some of the best artists in the industry but the it's definitely a huge contributing factor why VFX comped into footage shot on commercial camera looks different vs industry level cameras.

[@jamessiewert3561]

@@blackspear217 fx3 recording on an atomos prores 4444 still is only 4k 10 bit probably

[@Junder]

@@blackspear217 Well you forgot this movie was shot on a Sony FX3, not on a huge cinema camera like a ARRI

[@Oakbeast]

Nuke is the real deal

[@rano12321]

Nuke and magic

[@blenderjunkyriz]

I absolutely love the fact that you actually showed the topolgy of some of the models used in the film. I have been looking for wireframe images of models used in film for a very long time to compare it with the stuff that I've created, thinking that what I do is too detailed but this really highlighted the trenemdous work that the hard surface modelers have done with this film and I now have a much clearer idea of the type of geometry big studios like you guys at ILM create. It's clean, quad based and in many ways very simple but you model fully and then use texture, normal maps to fill in the rest. I am in awe of this film and the retraint of budget used to create what I think are some of the best visuals in a sci fi film ever, dune being the other that makes me weep with how incredbile it is. This film is by far a stand out in what can be done with a smaller budget while still delivering an incredibly realistic visual footprint which I think has been lacking in big budget films for the last several years. When I watched this movie I was never once pulled out of the world by lackluster visual effects and completely suspended any disbelief in the fact that I was watching what is tant amount to flawless CG landscapes and images. Movies with budgets in the hundred millions don't even compare as many times I have to really work at believing what I am looking at. There still enjoyable but not the same. I know I am looking at CG effects and in some instances even with a considerably larger budget, watching effects that are not super. This movie, the Creator is a brilliant and underrated achievement .

[@joelchamp1949]

At work we got a lot of models from weta for an Avatar project. Was awesome because I'm the same, keen to see what level of detail they use for blockbusters. My job was to lower the poly count and transfer the textures. Turned out great, got good feedback from Disney and lightstorm.

[@ZachBobBob]

I always love a good clean wireframe

[@arkodeepsen3627]

Follow architectural visualization for a better understanding of detail. Being an Architect, it helps me a lot while modelling. There just have to be the correct amount of details for it to look hyper real.

[@user-vw7zl7ho7i]

5:26 that aerial explosion is ungodly good

[@UnfortunateStudios]

This is truly so inspiring, the level of craftsmanship is ridiculous. ILM team is so good.

[@wycliffe_ndiba]

This is so cool. You know what I'd love, to see an hour's masterclass by someone involved in this breakdown to show us how to approach making a breakdown like this. There's a certain je ne sais quoi to it that I would love demystified.

[@rocketmanthebest4697]

There are so many words to describe the quality of these effects Immersive is the one I would say fits best I simply believe them

[@LocksleyLennoxfilms]

I wanna see the modeling process for the robot people. Then the match move tracking process.

[@Gamepunt_be]

Seeing those CGI breakdowns always blows my mind! The pure artistry... Amazing!

[@oshea_entertainment]

This is what I strive to be , an artist worthy of ILM

[@CreativeKeyman]

beautiful film

[@xelusprime]

Enjoying behind the scene videos more than the actual movies these days, not complaining, I love these videos, hats off to everyone behind the scenes that made all this VFX.

[@zailanizainal3898]

The scene where the jet plane fly toward moon looks so cool!

[@joelchamp1949]

Whoever modelled the tank, great work!

[@behrampatel4872]

Such a treat. Inspiring level of work as always.

[@hkzproductions]

Love a beautiful VFX breakdown! GORGEOUS!

[@artisans8521]

How a movie without A listed actors and great CGI, a gripping story and tight budget still bristles with quality. Loved all your work. Love to see the clean subD topologies. Oldfashioned in a boolean world but thoughtfull retopo still is king.

[@SpitfireCGI]

Superb work again ILM. The greatest skills in VFX !

[@josepgabarrosperez3227]

I love to watch that kind of videos. I ove how VFX are done. Great artists.

[@Stigcrafter]

Infinitely stunning work

[@MostafaMamdouh69]

Stunning, that's why i love my work

[@lematt16]

The work ILM deliver on this one is outstanding, particulary great because it convey the emotion of this awesome movie in such a beautifull maner. Best work I've seen in a long time. bravo!

[@taylorlee5103]

Supreme visual effects, can't tell what's practical.

[@quinnarrowsmithfilms]

Beautiful!

[@ezydoesit993]

wow. ILM are the best in the game! I love watching these videos!

[@SeniorAdrian]

5:27 This explosion is one of the most beautiful cgi explosion iv'e seen. Was Houdini used for this?

[@SeniorAdrian]

@@BlackVoxels did you work on it?

[@su_y96]

Amazing breakdown

[@sfogli1]

waooo!!! simply spectacular work

[@chrisddawson]

Outstanding.

[@stereographik]

gorgeous bytes ! thanks for sharing

[@tomsonpl123]

Absolutely amazing job, I was in cinema and just show to my friend las night on Disney +. Great pleasure for both of us, thanks for sharing making of🍻🍻

[@ubuntuber1619]

This movie is very special to me...for many reasons.

[@cgpetey]

Ridiculously good work.

[@arriyadsafioftaekwondoasso4699]

Wawo ❤ mind-blowing masterpieces and VFX greatest works as always from a legend teams 👏 ❤❤❤❤ ...

[@iheanyichukwuaguwa6231]

Awesome. Exceptional artistry. Maya, Houdini and Nuke in the hands of pros is a killer combo

[@felipeitsui]

And Katana!

[@flaviopresutti]

¡Tremendo!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome :)

[@noel5141]

It was a Fabulous movie. Very creative and the way the story was written and told. Brav0🔥🙌

[@dwayneserjeant3582]

Always great to see how the magic is created. LOVE the soundtrack to this video - is there anywhere I can buy it (since I know its not the original movie score)

[@stu9000]

I wish there was more to this film than how good it looks, but damn does it look good. Well done.

[@MACH_SDQ]

Goooooooooood

[@Katsuhono]

Beautiful movie, beautiful VFX. ILM keeps reminding me why they are still the best in the business. Tremendous work from everyone who worked on this

[@nueva_construccion]

brutal!!!!

[@amado7760]

Wow !

[@cinematic_monkey]

Nice to see that even ILM has mask slips from time to time. Amazing job especially given the Edwards' guerilla filmmaking approach.

[@chris13ryant]

Amazing thought provoking film. Insane visual effects and the process which it was done is going to change the way movies are made. Congrats Gareth and everyone involved.

[@storywala88]

The girl is precious. Love this movie. Audiences failed this movie. At least, it should have got 200 million. Original and quality movies like this not succeeding is not good news.

[@nowyouseeme4162]

😮 Wow 😮

[@roadstudiosproductions]

btw please give a tutorial on keying just this once in dire need!

[@MartinH81]

As always the craftmanship demonstrated by ILM is top notch, from concept to modeling to compositing, it's all there. However, I noticed over the last years there hasn't been a lot of improvement on explosions and how they light the scene. I'd love to see studios massively adopt Denis Villeneuve's photographic approach to depict explosions. So much more realistic and thus more impressive.

[@jasonzw6754]

Cool❤❤❤❤

[@Tritoon710]

Incredible work. Can anyone from ILM talk about how difficult and challenging was it to work with the lower quality footage compared to an Arri Alexa/Red footage in terms of camera tracking etc. thx

[@RyoMassaki]

The difference between the expensive Arri and the cheap Sony is much less significant than the difference between a modern current day digital camera and camera's from 10 or 20 years ago. I don't think the choice of camera had any effect on the production nor that it caused any novel difficulties and challenges.

[@canadianguy1955]

I really enjoyed this movie. Its ended was a bit underwhelming. But overall it was a really good sci fi film. As usual ILM made it look amazing.

[@thebomb78]

Good movie.

[@starwarz8479]

This is the best sci-fi movie of the year!!

[@oliverking3901]

thanks;)

[@FVDaudio]

✨✨👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@meherarjun6147]

6:57 ❤

[@doctordothraki4378]

3:03 When I saw the movie, I actually thought that car on the right was fully practical, not CGI

[@vinayray2286]

Which movie.

[@mohammadshah9672]

Only if the movie was as good as CGI.... Amazing work from tech dept.

[@TheBrainless]

Masterpiece of every aspect of the work!

[@rano12321]

ILM, were the clay renders from 3ds max?

[@_dimo93]

Wow, 4K video

[@rano12321]

the comp artists are pulling out magic tricks at this point.

[@noorvfx]

its amazing.how can i join to ILM.i am general 3d artist and have over 10 years profasional work.please guid me

[@ogblage]

Yo, Music name? The soundtrack? Pleaseee? I NEED IT

[@JeighNeither]

The most tragically under-watched channel in all of KZbin covering one of the most under-rated films of last year. Nice. You can guarantee the Corridor Crew is subbed tho 😉Sup Corridor!

[@plixplop]

I'm wondering about the rigging on that incredible nuclear explosion effect - the stratified layers of condensing vapor look so realistic, someone definitely referenced archival test footage! Something like, vertically stacked layers of "effector" volumes (with some soft falloff) that lower the threshold for the "form vapor" variable, then there is a sphere that expands outward from the explosion which is the "master" to control this effect. Result, a sphere of stratified clouds expands out of the explosion. This would be representative of layers of varying humidity in the atmosphere, which instantaneously condense into clouds when compressed by the shockwave. Notice how the stratified clouds also start to slowly fade back away afterward, as the pressure equalizes and falls back below the condensation threshold. Am I on the right track?

[@emarinm1]

Hello, question. When they delete, for example, a head to put another one, which reveals the background. How do they reconstruct the background? where do they get that information from?

[@AlexisRivera3D]

Nice question

[@nhlanhlasithole2899]

I miss the times when we didn't see all this.

[@cswanson4476]

No music credits?

[@MwayiComfort]

I hope u get the oscar ❤😢

[@dariussalepetru6770]

Of course is winning Oscar

[@torsrive8920]

I am wonder how precise the tracking is... I am trying my best with tracking but it never is 100% accurate in Fusion

[@WITFITMAN.]

LOVE LOVE SCIFI 😎🍿🥤💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@durjoymajumder7938]

Movie Name?

[@woodyforrest313]

So does the production of this film mark the quick end of StageCraft? Because you don't seem to have used it at all.

[@ILMVFX]

That isn't accurate in the slightest. A variety of ILM StageCraft tools were used in the production of The Creator, and the entire airlock sequence aboard the USS NOMAD was shot on one of our StageCraft LED volumes.

[@woodyforrest313]

@@ILMVFX Ah, OK, sorry. I saw a green screen. Hence my impression. Thanks for the information. Go on like this. You are the best.

[@reviton8820]

THE CREATOR WISH OSCAR WIN

[@idigistringcreation]

Ideas come out of pain and reason why human embrace the machine world to test their ability which come inthe form of motivation out of pain....we humans are born humanoid.

[@MINECRAFTandSEB]

Is this a good movie?

[@robertovivancosdp]

I wonder where are these hidden options on the menu of the FX3?

[@omeizasanni]

add some commentary please😪😪

[@ILMVFX]

Tune in tomorrow at 9am PST.

[@drewwatkin6356]

Visually stunning. wicked concept. Poor Narrative.

[@JDC.stories]

I don´t know if somebody is going to read this comment. But could anybody tell me where or what should I have to learn for making those VFX by my own? Any KZbin videos, online courses, I would really like to learn and I will put all of my effort for achievieng that knowledge. By the way, I wanna thank everyone who worked in this movie; I fell in love with the visual, the VFXs, the story and the cinematography of it just at the first mioment that I watched it.

[@AlexisRivera3D]

I recommend you to start in Blender and learn the basics of 3D and compositing and later on move to Nuke or Maya

[@user-lq5ne1lw3y]

Always great to see how the magic is created. LOVE the soundtrack to this video - is there anywhere I can buy it (since I know its not the original movie score)