Digital Domain – Citadel SN1 VFX Fact Sheet
Above image: Side view of full submarine while Mason is stuck unconscious on the fin. Grayscale and render.
Prime Video’s Citadel Showcases Digital Domain’s Spectacular Artistry, Earning the VFX Studio a Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) Award Nomination
Citadel SN1, a popular show on Prime Video, has been enthralling audiences with its captivating storyline. The mesmerizing visuals that captured the essence of the show were created by skilled artists from Digital Domain. VFX Supervisor Aladino Debert led the team and their remarkable work on Episode 3 “Infinite Shadows” and Episode 6 “Secrets in Night Need Early Rains,” helping elevate the visual storytelling and creating unforgettable moments that have captivated viewers worldwide and earned the studio a nomination for this year’s HPA Awards.
In Episode 3, the artist team at Digital Domain played a crucial part in creating an extraordinary scene where Nadia (played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas) fearlessly saves Mason (played by Richard Madden)—this heroic moment stood out as a highlight, showcasing the team’s expertise in bringing gripping and emotionally charged sequences to life.
As the season reached its grand finale in Episode 6, the Digital Domain team showcased their award-nominated artistry in three primary sequences, each featuring distinct digital environments and groundbreaking water simulation work. The first environment introduced the audience to breathtaking skydiving scenes set against a captivating cloudscape, seamlessly transitioning from magic hour to the mysterious allure of the night. The meticulous design of the cloud formations allowed the filmmakers to craft visually stunning scenes, enhancing the overall narrative and delivering an immersive experience.
In the second environment, shots set at ocean level showcased Digital Domain’s revolutionary “Water Kit” simulation technique. The team tackled the challenges of creating realistic water effects head-on, resulting in a masterful simulation spanning 750 frames. This comprehensive simulation featured elements such as wake effects, ocean waves, white caps, and atmospheric conditions, portraying the submarine’s journey through the vast ocean with unparalleled realism and precision.
“Working on Citadel has been an exhilarating experience for the Digital Domain artist team,” said Aladino Debert, leading the team’s efforts. “We are proud to have contributed our skills and expertise to episodes 103 and 106, collaborating with the filmmakers to create visually compelling moments that resonate with the audience.”
The exceptional work by the Digital Domain artists has undoubtedly set new standards in visual effects and animation, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technical innovation in the industry. As Citadel continues to captivate audiences worldwide on Amazon’s Prime Video, viewers can look forward to being awed by the awe-inspiring visual artistry that the Digital Domain team has brought to this groundbreaking series.
All episodes of Citadel are now streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video.
The HPA Awards gala is set for November 9, 2023, at the Hollywood Legion Theater in Hollywood.
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