Game Night

Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein returned to Aspect for design and animation support for their latest comedy. GAME NIGHT. We created a custom-treated logo sequence, utilizing a variety of well-loved nostalgic game pieces.

The real challenge though, came in the form of the main on end title sequence. The filmmakers and studio loved our idea to reveal the behind-the-scenes plan from fan-favorite character, Gary. Where a similar sequence would usually be produced entirely in CG, the filmmakers in this case supported our idea to shoot the sequence practically. The technical challenge was how would we execute the precision camera work and timings to such a degree that we could get the sequence approved by multiple stakeholders, and then shoot a live-action sequence that matched our previsualization precisely? We solved this problem by building our virtual set as a 1:1 scale model so it would match our live-action set. Our virtual camera moves were interpreted on-set by a Milo camera-control system. In this way our previs matched what was shot frame-accurately. We designed and manufactured all of the props and elements in the live-action set. We also modeled, textured, and composited the CG portion of the diorama train model characters in the middle of the sequence.