Digital cinematography (except where specified). Shot lighting included experimentation to harness optimizations in subsurface light scattering and occlusion (subsurface scattering calculated using depth map shadows; screen space projected, hybrid ray-traced occlusion maps). Additional experiments in material appearance included parametric modification of Gollum’s skin surface shader to generate sweaty skin and wet lips. Hair simulations. Shot sculpting. All shots delivered using a relighting pipeline based on Pixar IRMA, developed with support from Pixar during a break in production between TTT and ROTK. This work was performed at Weta Digital in Wellington, NZ, under the direction of Greg Butler, Joe Letteri and Jim Rygiel.
Recognition:
Academy Award for Best Achievement in Visual Effects, 2003.
Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in an Effects Driven Motion Picture, 2003.
Recognition:
Academy Award for Best Achievement in Visual Effects, 2003.
Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in an Effects Driven Motion Picture, 2003.