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Opus Creates VFX for NBC's 'Siberia'

Opus Visual Effects produces the visual effects for Infinity Films’ supernatural reality drama, Siberia, which debuted on NBC in July.

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WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- Opus Visual Effects announced that it has produced the effects for Infinity Films’ supernatural reality drama, Siberia. The first episode of 12 aired on NBC on Monday, July 1.

In this scripted “reality” show, 16 participants are flown into the Tunguska region of Siberia unaware of the land's mysterious past. The game is that these diverse contestants will battle the elements and each other in a quest to survive the harsh winter and claim a large cash prize. What is initially met with unbridled enthusiasm quickly turns to sheer panic as a series of strange events begin to take place. When a contestant is badly injured and no help arrives, the contestants meet the chilling realization that the strange occurrences are not part of the show. With their safety threatened, competing contestants must band together in an effort to survive.

For the 12 episodes, Opus created approximately 65 visual effects shots that included compositing and set extensions, simulation of the natural Tunguska phenomena, particles, gore enhancement and animated cg creatures. Although the work was done on a television timeframe and budget, Opus produced effects worthy of a feature film.

“This was a very exciting project for us,” says Opus visual effects supervisor and president Mike Shand. “We have primarily produced effects for feature films. Episodic TV was new for us. But our years of working together allowed us to work effectively and efficiently in producing high-quality effects on a television schedule. Being brought on board in the early stages of production also helped us plan the most cost-effective way of getting the director what he wanted. And our low overhead made it possible to do so within the production’s budget.”

"We really appreciate NBC for taking the risk on a show as unusual as Siberia," says Executive Producer Michael Ohoven. "Opus was also willing to take the risk and understood what we were looking for right from the start. Because of that, and their years of experience, they were able to produce the quality effects we needed on time and in budget. They really contributed to the success of the production and they were great to work with."

Opus is a leading visual effects company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With over a decade of experience, the Opus team has been instrumental in the realization of numerous CG effects in projects ranging from large Hollywood productions that include THE LAST STAND, AVATAR, SUPERMAN RETURNS, X-MEN and SWORDFISH to independent films and TV miniseries: STORM OF THE CENTURY, THE BIG EMPTY. Specializing in 3D animation, digital compositing, green screen integration, SFX animation/particle work, pre-visualization and stereoscopic work, Opus’ highly-qualified team brings their client’s vision to life on time and on budget. Working with the provincial government, Opus is also able to offer clients generous production tax incentives.

Source: Opus Visual Effects

Jennifer Wolfe's picture

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.

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