In our latest interview, Mangesh Awate, CG Supervisor at MPC India takes us behind the scenes of the stunning hyena sequences in LEO, revealing the cutting-edge techniques that brought these characters to life. From utilizing Houdini for lifelike fur dynamics to mastering lighting with HDRI and custom shaders, every detail contributes to the film’s realism. Mangesh also shares insights into the artistic decisions that enhanced the cinematic experience, like the impactful addition of blood and snow chunks, and how the team coordinated seamlessly across departments to achieve a cohesive final product.
The hyena sequences in “LEO” showcase a high level of detail and realism. What specific techniques or tools did MPC use to achieve such lifelike fur dynamics and behaviour?
We used Houdini along with some custom tools we developed to handle the fur dynamics. Our own muscle system added to the realism, allowing the hyenas to move and interact in a very natural way.
How did MPC address the challenge of lighting and rendering the hyenas in a way that they convincingly matched the lighting and environment of the live-action shots?
We started with HDRI to set up the lighting and then used reference balls (grey, chrome, and fur) from the on-set shoot to make it all look realistic. Our custom-built fur shader helped us achieve physically accurate results, and of course, the skills of our lighting artists played a big role in making everything look seamless.
What were some of the most significant artistic decisions made during the creation of the hyena sequences? How did these decisions contribute to the overall cinematic experience of the film?
We decided to add blood and snow chunks to the hyenas’ fur, which really helped bring out the intensity of their interactions with Vijay. The snow chunks added a nice visual detail, especially when Vijay’s hand moved through the fur, and the per-strand collisions made the interactions look even more realistic.
What was the VFX pipeline and workflow for the hyena sequences in “LEO”? How did the team manage the coordination between different departments, such as modeling, animation, lighting, and compositing, to ensure a cohesive final product?
We followed the standard VFX pipeline but made sure to establish a neutral grade on the plate so the lighting would stay consistent throughout. Tools like Shotgun and our production department helped us coordinate across departments. Each department had its own packaging system to keep everything updated, allowing artists to work simultaneously. Daily catchups and regular department reviews were crucial for keeping everyone aligned and on track.
What did working on LEO teach you and the team that you can apply to future projects?
Every show offers valuable lessons that enhance our creative vision and sharpen our analytical thinking. In crafting the VFX scenes for LEO, we concentrated on developing innovative strategies to enhance the planning and execution of human-animal interactions. Additionally, we discussed ways to streamline our animation workflow, ultimately accelerating the production timeline. These insights will empower us to create more compelling and respectful narratives while improving our overall efficiency.
