Continuing a collaboration that has lasted eight years, director Joss Whedon and Zoic Studios' vfx supervisor Loni Peristere are reunited for the upcoming Universal feature SERENITY. The move marks the most ambitious feature to date for Los Angeles-based Zoic.
The pairing is a natural extension of the work the duo completed for the television series FIREFLY on which the film is based. Peristere and Zoic Studios garnered the visual effects Emmy for FIREFLY in 2003, and Peristere has served as vfx supervisor on Whedon's successful episodic programs BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL.
"We always felt that we were creating a feature film-level series, complete with effects that had a uniquely cinematic feel," notes Peristere, who is conducting previs for the movie. "Now we have the opportunity to take the concept to the big screen and build on the work we started in the TV realm. Joss and I have worked together on many projects and it's a thrill to collaborate with him on this project."
"Loni Peristere and Zoic constantly expand my concept of what can be done with digital effects," says director Whedon. "They're masters of the new technology, but not slaves to it: their work integrates effects seamlessly into story instead of showing them off for their own sake. What they did on my TV show I had never seen in a movie. What they'll do on my movie... I'm just really excited to be working with these lunatics."
"SERENITY will continue and expand upon the adventures of the memorable characters launched in the series, and will be joined by new characters created expressly for the motion picture adaptation. Whedon will act as both screenwriter and director, and the SERENITY cast will include such returning FIREFLY cast members as Nathan Fillion as Captain Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds, Gina Torres as Zoe Warren, Morena Baccarin as Inara Serra, Jewel Staite as Kaylee Frye, Adam Baldwin as Jayne Cobb, Sean Maher as Dr. Simon Tam and Summer Glau as River Tam.
Launched by exec producer Steve Schofield and creative directors Chris Jones and Peristere, Zoic Studios (www.zoicstudios.com) is a leader in visual effects and CG animation in the commercials, music videos, feature film and episodic television arenas.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
