The models gave the effects old school vibe.

Method additionally made some 3D models, including a wall piece. This CG piece propels from the geometry of the miniature through space at the actors to further enhance the danger. Those were rendered through Maya or RenderMan. They also used Houdini to create water impact simulations to enhance another shot where debris was hitting the water above the actors. "There was a mattress that hit the water but it didn't look like it was going to plunge in there and hurt them, so we added a sense that this debris was coming through the water, so it required bubble simulation and jets of water. We added that to one shot to further convey that mood and sense of danger."

In fact, Liegey says the experience reminded him of Waterworld, which he also worked on and was very old school. The use of miniatures is becoming a lost art, so it was good to have artists at Method who are expert at combining miniatures with digital enhancement in a seamless and believable way."Solving the problems we've discussed are retro in a way these days, but the artistic skills of sweetening up a shot are also very valuable.

Bill Desowitz is former senior editor of AWN and editor of VFXWorld. He has a new blog, Immersed in Movies (www.billdesowitz.com), and is currently writing a book about the evolution of James Bond from Connery to Craig, scheduled for publication next year, which is the 50th anniversary of the franchise.