OUT OF THIS WORLD GRAPHICS FOR EQUINOX

CREATING photo-realistic re-constructions of various outer space phenomena for a programme in the new Equinox series was the challenge facing the animators at visual communications facility, Red.
Working closely with designers Hobbins Sides, Red used SoftImage XSI and 3D to create six graphic sequences for the programme that looks at new theories on gamma ray bursts. 'The Hunt for the Death Star' airs on Channel Four on July 1.
Working from designs produced by Hobbins Sides and information gleaned from Internet sites such as NASA's, Red's Head of Animation, Oscar Gonzalez, and his team spent several weeks creating the sequences, which are based on current cutting edge theories. The scenarios included the explosion of a massive star to form a neutron star with corresponding shock waves, the creation of a black hole, a satellite orbiting the Earth and the creation of our galaxy to show its correlation to others.
All of the sequences were generated entirely in 3D and by far the most complex sequence was one showing the effects of a gamma ray blast hitting the Earth. In this sequence, the atmosphere is wiped out leaving the Earth exposed to the sun as the continents start to burn and the seas dry up. Whilst the other sequences needed to be as scientifically accurate as possible, a certain creative leeway was afforded as no one is 100 per cent sure of what the creation of a black hole looks like. In creating the models of the Earth however, attention to detail had to be very acute, as even a slight irregularity would be instantly noticeable.
The sequences were comped in After Effects and then graded in flame to give a continuous look throughout. The flame was also used to add a few glows and realistic camera shakes for the explosions.
(GB)