Set Extension

Set extension is the art of continuing what was filmed without anyone noticing where the real set ends. The challenge is always the transition, matching the plate's perspective, scale, lighting and texture so the CG takes over seamlessly and the location stays true to itself. I have extended sets for feature films, series and commercials, from city streets and coastlines to fictional worlds, often with the requirement that a real place remain recognizable to the people who know it. My process as an Environment Artist starts with the plates and the references of the location. I block the extension against the cameras, then model the key architecture and landforms, and use procedural setups in Houdini to scatter and dress the areas that would be too large to build by hand. On a large extension, I have built a complete Houdini HDA of the environment so the team could dress and adjust it consistently across the sequence. I like that set extension forces humility. The goal is not to show off the CG, but to give the audience a world that feels as solid as the one in front of the camera

Set Extension: 10 professional productions at 5 studios, including “Nautilus - Season 1”, “Fast X”, “Honda Prelude - Advertising” and “Fallout - Season 2”