AI escapes our devices and hijacks our bodies in this gradually intensifying title sequence from the 2024 edition of OFFF Barcelona by Scottish/Canadian filmmaker Stuart Langfield with Glasgow studio Revenant handling VFX.

Kevin McCrae, founder/CD at Revenant: “Like many of our projects, we were involved right from the start, collaborating closely with Stuart to shape the orb’s appearance and its integration as a digital assistant in the real world. Engaging our artists early on enabled a sense of ownership and ensured seamless transition from production to post-production.

“The primary challenge lay in the tight six-week turnaround time from filming to final delivery, meaning clear communication throughout the process was key. Prior to filming, detailed planning with Stuart was conducted to strategize VFX moments and on-set data capture, crucial for executing shots in post.
 

“During the research and development phase, a significant hurdle was crafting an orb that balanced digital aesthetics with organic qualities.”

 

“During the research and development phase, a significant hurdle was crafting an orb that balanced digital aesthetics with organic qualities. Multiple iterations were explored, ranging from basic shading techniques to more intricate simulation-based designs.

“We also experimented with animation styles, including energetic and sporadic movements, before opting for the fluid and ominous approach seen in the final film – a choice that conveys the notion of an entity that recently obtained sentience.

“The titles were handled by Antihero, which is actually the design and motion side of Stuart’s own work. They leaned heavily into an 80s cult cinema feeling to further pull the film away from its sci-fi leanings and ground it in something more tangible.”
 
 

 
Writer/Director: Stuart Langfield
Producer: Kieran Smyth, Stuart Langfield
DOP: Leon Brehony
Choreographer: Konstantin Koval
Key Grip: Graham Pittaro
Grip Assist: Richi Holt Jnr
Wardrobe: Heida Senkute
Colorist: Nadia Khairat
On-Set VFX: Jack Lang
Camera: No Drama

VFX: Revenant

Title Design: Antihero

Music/sound design: AEPH

Cast: Ling Tse, Aidan Jolliffe-Byrne, Roxi Hofmann, Michael Jean-Marain

Special Thanks: Jen Mackie, Will Farquhar, Honor Anderon, Andrew O’Connor, David Bell