Entity FX created vfx for RUSH HOUR 3, including 3D backdrops, digital matte paintings and screen composites that helped back up the action in several different interior and outdoor locations.
One challenge involved digitally adding a moving elevator to enhance suspense in an interior chase scene. Elevator elements as well as the character of Soo Young (actress Jingchu Zhang) were tracked in to seamlessly integrate live-shot material with digital matte painting elements.
Another required adding a convincing sky and feeling of motion for scenes in which Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker take a transatlantic flight. With no production plates available, Entity FX created a 3D clouds environment made from multiple stereo-res 2D photographs.
"We basically created a movie of 3D clouds from sequenced stills with all of the perspective information we needed," said Eli Jarra, vfx supervisor, Entity FX. "It allowed us to adjust speed and altitude as necessary."
Entity FX credits on the project include: Mat Beck and Eli Jarra: visual effects supervisors; Kymber Lim: exec producer; Tricia Pifer: head of production: Jason Sanford: vfx producer; Brian Petras, Nancy Hyland and Rob Reinhart: 2D Artists; and Rik Panero: 3D Artist.
Entity FX's toolset included Autodesk's Flame & Maya and Adobe After Effects.
Entity FX is an award-winning visual effects studio specializing in feature film, television and commercials. With facilities in Santa Monica, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Entity FX delivers a range of services in previsualization, on-set supervision, virtual backgrounds, matte painting, environmental effects, compositing, CG animation, specialty photography and more.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
