Much of what’s amazing about The Amazing Spider-Man 2 – namely, its jaw-dropping visual effects – was created right here in the 604. Last Friday, Sony Imageworks invited a handful of journalists to its Yaletown studio to learn more about its massive contribution to the blockbuster (1,000 shots) from the film’s VFX bigwigs: VFX supervisor Jerome Chen, digital effects supervisor David Smith and animation supervisor David Schaub. Vancouver artists wielded their special magic on the film’s three major villains (Electro, Green Goblin, and Rhino), as well as digital doubles of the heroes, photo-realistic battles and otherwise unfilmmable moments. (“[Emma Stone] was great at doing a lot of her own stunts, but she balked at a 400-foot fall,” said Chen.)
Vancouver Web Fest concluded its inaugural edition on Sunday by handing out a slew of awards. Local winners included The True Heroines (Best Canadian series); Under the HUD (Animation); and Vancouver Cycle Chic (Documentary/Non-Fiction).
The award for Best Overall Series went to Libres from Spain.
The Leo Awards invite lovers of the BC screen scene to vote for their favourite locally produced film and television property. Voters in the Leo Awards People’s Choice Survey are entered for a chance to win a grand prize package that includes a stay for two in the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (venue for the three nights of ceremonies) and the opportunity to walk the red carpet. LeoAwards.com.
