2 hours ago
1
Paramount’s “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning” and Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” may include some of the final credits of VFX giant MPC and commercial VFX studio The Mill, both of which were owned by Technicolor, which collapsed in February amid dire financial circumstances.
The final credits for the conclusion of the Tom Cruise’s “Mission Impossible” franchise included roughly a dozen VFX companies, including MPC and The Mill. (It is understood that Industrial Light & Magic, the lead VFX studio on both “Final Reckoning” and “Lilo & Stitch,” absorbed at least some of their work when the Technicolor-owned companies abruptly shuttered).
Some of the final work from MPC was also featured at the FMX (Film & Media Exchange) confab, which recently wrapped in Stuttgart, Germany. MPC was the VFX studio behind Barry Jenkins’ virtual production of “Mufasa: The Lion King” (as well as Jon Favreau’s 2019 “The Lion King”), which was expertly presented by Audrey Ferrara, MPC VFX supervisor on the VFX Oscar shortlisted production.
During the session she acknowledged and thanked the MPC artists that worked on the film, which at peak, included 1,700 artists around the world.
She also discussed the art and science behind “Mufasa,” including technical breakthroughs such as the Quadcap mocap system that gave Jenkins a “hands on approach to animation” by allowing him to “live direct;” and Loma, MPC’s advanced grooming tech.
During the Q&A, Ferrara was asked what would happen to MPC’s advancements, in the wake of Technicolor’s shut down. “It’s not lost,” she replied, noting that as she understands it, MPC is still “alive” in Paris those she didn’t have specifics about how France’s bankruptcy system impacted that base. She also pointed to the experienced talent that remains in the business. “Artists who worked on these projects are going to go to other companies and maybe not [have the exact tools] but will bring their experience to similar tools, better tools and incorporate whatever new technology is coming,” she said.
Ferrara tells Variety that she is planning to remain independent, at least for the time being. Ferrara worked at MPC in Paris before moving to its London headquarters in 2011. In London, Ferrara worked on “The Lion King” and VFX Oscar winner “The Jungle Book” before she was elevated to VFX supervisor for “Mufasa.”
Recent announcements surrounding former MPC talent include news that UK’s Milk VFX and Lola Post hired Sarah Essam as business development producer and Jonny Vale as head of marketing and communications. In her new role, Essam, a seasoned producer, will support business development and client partnerships across both Milk and Lola studios, which maintain bases in London, Bordeaux, Barcelona and Dublin.
English (US) ·