Unreal Engine and Virtual Production Build Blocky World for ‘A Minecraft Movie’

Hollywood’s ambitious adaptation of the global phenomenon ‘Minecraft’ is leveraging cutting-edge virtual production techniques to bring its blocky universe to life. Disguise Creative Services, a key player in this effort, served as the dedicated virtual art department for director Jared Hess’ upcoming film, undertaking a meticulous and extensive 52-week process.

Pioneering the Virtual Art Department

Over the course of nearly a year, Disguise Creative Services was tasked with constructing the foundational digital world of ‘A Minecraft Movie’. Their work involved creating a comprehensive suite of 20 distinct digital environments. Utilizing the powerful Unreal Engine, known for its real-time rendering capabilities, these virtual spaces were designed not merely as backdrops, but as integral tools supporting the entire production pipeline – from initial pre-production planning through principal photography and into post-production.

The creation of these detailed digital environments began long before cameras rolled. The virtual world served as a crucial sandbox for planning and strategizing complex sequences. This included mapping out critical details such as hypothetical fire lines, a vital safety measure, within the virtual space. Furthermore, the team incorporated highly accurate, to-scale three-dimensional models of real-world camera rigs and cranes directly into the digital environments. This foresight allowed filmmakers and cinematographers to precisely determine camera positioning and movements well in advance of stepping onto a physical set, optimizing efficiency and creative control.

Bridging the Physical and Digital Divide

As principal photography commenced, the virtual production process entered a critical phase of integration. Physical sets constructed for the film were meticulously scanned using LiDAR technology. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) creates highly accurate 3D representations of physical spaces using lasers. These precise digital scans of the practical sets were then aligned and married with the pre-existing virtual environments built in Unreal Engine. This seamless alignment ensured consistency and allowed for a fluid workflow between the real-world production and the digital realm.

The integrated virtual environments proved invaluable for the subsequent stages of filmmaking. Following principal photography, the Unreal Engine environments, now containing the precise layout and context of the live-action filming, were supplied directly to various visual effects (VFX) vendors. These vendors were then able to build the complex visual effects shots required for the film, working directly within the approved virtual spaces. This streamlined process ensured that the final VFX work adhered closely to the vision established by Production Designer Grant Major, maintaining creative cohesion throughout the production.

Authenticity in the Blocky Universe

In a testament to the film’s commitment to authenticity, geometry derived directly from the ‘Minecraft’ game itself was occasionally imported into the Unreal Engine environments. This unique approach allowed specific elements from the source material’s distinctive visual style to be incorporated seamlessly into the cinematic world. A notable example cited is the integration of game geometry for the ‘Elytra Flight Chase’ sequence, promising fans a visual experience deeply rooted in the look and feel of the game’s mechanics.

The extensive use of virtual production techniques by Disguise Creative Services highlights a growing trend in large-scale film production, offering unparalleled control, flexibility, and integration across different production phases. As ‘A Minecraft Movie’ progresses, the foundation laid by this detailed virtual artistry promises to deliver a cinematic adaptation that is both visually compelling and faithful to the beloved game.