Luma Pictures FX in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Luma Pictures FX in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Luma Pictures recently completed some 150 visual effects shots for the new Paramount Pictures release Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, the largest 3D visual effects package contracted by the studio to an outside vendor.

Luma's work included the film's highly-praised underwater battle scene-one of the most extensive and creatively challenging CG sequences in the film-where a squadron of amphibious planes engages in combat with giant robots at the bottom of the ocean.

Luma's effects work is also featured in trailers for the film, including one consisting entirely of footage culled from the underwater sequence. Luma's work on Sky Captain marked the studio's biggest project to date, spanning six months and involving the efforts of more than 40 animators and visual effects artists.

The undersea battle sequence occupies nearly six minutes of screen time and consists almost entirely of 3D elements. The sequence involved a squadron of planes led by Captain Franky Cook (Angelina Jolie) who are attempting to reach an island via a route that takes them deep below the surface of the ocean.

The planes dive into the water where they are met by a group of giant crab-like robots and an enormous battle ensues in which several planes are shot down and the robots destroyed.