MPC once again returned to the world of the Vikings, delivering over 500 shots across all eight episodes of Season 3 of Netflix’s historical drama, Vikings: Valhalla. Led by VFX supervisor Ben Mossman and VFX producer Martin O’Brien, studio teams in Toronto, Mumbai, and Bangalore built on the momentum gained from the previous two seasons.
Serving as the sole vendor, MPC was involved across the production. Their work mostly involved the creation of CG environments, rendering photoreal historical locations, and enhancing the action with complex FX simulations. The team embraced the challenge of digitally recreating multiple locations, including intricate cityscapes, and enhancing landscapes that transported viewers back to the 11th century. Examples include – Syracuse, Constantinople, Greenland, and Poland; as well as recreating the iconic Winchester Cathedral and the ever-present Viking stronghold of Kattegat.
Episode 304 showcases MPC’s work in a cliff collapse, which required precise timing and execution. The scene, shot in a quarry with very few practical effects available, tasked the VFX team with creating a full CG moment including rocks giving way, the destruction of a boat, Vikings ejected, and the turbulent aftermath.
The team met additional challenges in episode 308 when tasked with the full CG re-creation of a fire sequence, which was a significant shift from the practical fire elements typically used on set. With limited live-action footage available, the team carefully augmented the visuals to effectively illustrate how Freydis deceives her captors, and the crowd, into believing she is conjuring flames. The timing and movement of all elements were essential for effective storytelling as the fire not only lit the scene, but also concealed the heroes’ escape. To achieve a believable look, MPC collaborated with the creative team on an early test shot, which helped refine the visuals and maintain consistency throughout.
Season 3 also marked a significant learning curve for MPC pipeline artists as they embraced new technologies and software to streamline production processes and enhance creative output.
“Bringing back the world of Vikings has been an epic journey for myself and the whole team here at MPC,” said Mossman. “We’re so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work across all three seasons and truly proud to have delivered close to 2,000 VFX shots. Our thanks go to Jeb Stuart, Sheila Hockin, Nick Iannelli, Ian Keltie, Take 5, and everyone at Netflix and MGM for entrusting us on this journey.”
Watch “MPC – Vikings: Valhalla Season 3 VFX Breakdown:”
All eight episodes of Vikings: Valhalla are now streaming on Netflix.
Source: MPC
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
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