Brickyard VFX has been tapped by CBS Prods. to create all visual effects for the new Wednesday night forensics drama, CSI: NY.
With managing partner Steve Michaels producing for the company, Brickyard VFX is collaborating with CSI: NY producers to develop signature effects for the primetime series that push an already high CSI bar. The Jerry Bruckheimer executive-produced franchise, which started with CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION and expanded in 2002 with CSI: MIAMI, is known for its integration of stylish visual effects segments into the dramatic storytelling. Effects are being finished in HD.
The three shows carry through the same winning concept but allow the forensic stories to be told in three different cities with their own unique style. Bringing in Brickyard VFX to handle CSI: NY has helped set the newest show's distinctive identity and effects "look."
"With New York as our backdrop, there was an opportunity to be different creatively in terms of tone and structure, said producer Bruce Golin. With its expertise in effects for commercials and with a presence on both coasts, Brickyard VFX offered a fresh perspective, as well as the firepower to turn around the highest level of visual effects that can be requested in a short timeframe. I was also confident in the caliber of the company's artists and in their familiarity with the unique demands and schedules of television production."
The series is darker, grittier, more realistic, so much of it is about the unique feeling and vibe of New York, added Michaels. We have been finding ways to emphasize the New York setting, and have been tapping into the episodic experience of Brickyard VFX artists like Patrick Poulatian and Geoff McAuliffe. The project has also created the opportunity to bring compositor Mandy Sorenson and vfx supervisor Kathy Siegel into the Brickyard team."
The CSI shows also employ effects to convey different biological and forensic concepts with high dramatic appeal. Brickyard VFX is designing these signature visual effects, in addition to a range of atmospheric and invisible effects this season, using a variety of 2D compositing and 3D animation tools, including Discreet flame HD, GenArts' Sapphire sparks for Discreet, LightWave 3D and other applications. Shots are being finished in HD for delivery on D5.
CSI: NY marks the first long-form project for Brickyard VFX, a company that continues to work with the best directors, advertising agencies and brands within the short-form commercials production space. The assignment re-teams the Brickyard VFX crew with former 525 Post colleague Sorenson. Siegel joins the company, bringing a background in episodic and commercial television harking back to the Emmy Award-nominated series PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE.
Located in Boston and Santa Monica, Brickyard VFX (www.brickyardvfx.com) is an independent bi-coastal visual effects boutique specializing in digital finishing, effects and compositing. Completely artist owned and operated, the company was founded in 1999 to bring commercial clients a level of customer service, craftsmanship and focus difficult to find at facilities today. Brickyard's problem-solving expertise on set and in the studio has been applied to enhance, color correct, re-light, track and composite shots on high-profile campaigns.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
