Behind the Scenes of The Cowgirl Project: Where Cardboard Cities Meet Virtual Worlds
Our Fearless Cowgirl: A Star in the Making
We're absolutely chuffed to finally lift the curtain a little more on the making of "The Cowgirl Project"! As you know, this groundbreaking short film is a true labour of love, a testament to the seamless fusion of traditional artistry and cutting-edge virtual production. Today, we're thrilled to share some behind-the-scenes glimpses from our time on set, offering a peek into how this unique vision came to life through our collaboration with the amazing Racquet Studios.
If you're a regular on our socials, you'll know that "The Cowgirl Project" is a pioneering venture, blending Plume Films' signature handmade aesthetic with Racquet Studios' advanced Unreal Engine virtual production technology. Our aim was to create a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that pushes both creative and technical boundaries, showcasing the incredible power of this collaborative approach.
From Our Hands to the LED Volume: The Cardboard Cityscape
One of the most exciting aspects of "The Cowgirl Project" is the tangible integration of our handmade elements into the virtual world. Take, for instance, the stunning cardboard cityscapes you can see in the images we're sharing today. These aren't just set dressings; they are meticulously crafted pieces of art from Plume Films, seamlessly embedded within Racquet Studios' virtual production environment.
It’s a powerful illustration of how our traditional model-making expertise, combined with Racquet Studios’ advanced virtual production capabilities, creates something truly unique and visually arresting. The glowing windows of the cardboard city, brought to life by the LED volume, create an almost dreamlike quality, perfectly setting the stage for our young protagonist's journey.
Our Fearless Cowgirl: A Star in the Making
And of course, no behind-the-scenes look would be complete without a nod to our fantastic young actress, Lyla Calf, who embodies the fearless 8-year-old cowgirl. Her performance brings such heart and authenticity to the narrative. We had the absolute pleasure of sourcing some truly beautiful vintage clothing for her from America, ensuring every detail contributed to the film's unique aesthetic. Her presence on set, against the backdrop of our hybrid world, was simply captivating.
A Glimpse of Life Onset: The Synergy of Plume Films and Racquet Studios
The images also offer a quick glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere on set. There's a tangible buzz when creative minds from two distinct camps – Plume Films with our handmade, traditionally 2D and model-making strengths, and Racquet Studios with their high-spec virtual production expertise – come together. This synergy is what makes "The Cowgirl Project" so special. It's a testament to how traditional craftsmanship can not only coexist with but also elevate cutting-edge technology. The collaboration was key to overcoming the technical challenges of blending these worlds, especially with the intricate real-time rendering and dynamic lighting effects achieved through Unreal Engine and the LED volume.
"The Cowgirl Project" is more than just a short film; it's a case study in innovative storytelling and a demonstration of how a collaborative spirit can push creative boundaries. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved with Racquet Studios, creating a unique visual language that merges the charm of the handmade with the immersive power of virtual production.
Stay tuned for more in-depth looks at the technical and artistic processes behind "The Cowgirl Project." We'll be delving further into how we achieved those stunning visual effects, such as the dynamic cloud lighting, and how our 2D animation overlays were seamlessly integrated into the virtual environment.
Ready to explore the possibilities of innovative filmmaking for your next project? We'd be delighted to discuss how our unique blend of handmade artistry and virtual production expertise, honed through collaborations like "The Cowgirl Project" with Racquet Studios, can bring your vision to life. Drop us a line to discuss your groundbreaking idea or explore more about our virtual production services.
Credits, Crew & Links:
Credits: Production: @plumefilms Virtual Production: @racquetstudios Director: @chrislewortfilms DoP: @robwilton_dp Starring: Lyla Calf @youngactorsagency
Crew: Head of Production: @jr_lewis_films Head of Technical: @robertruardy Art Director: @plumefilms AD: @ctingols Gaffer: @ironhandfilmlighting Spark: @bogdan.roth.robert Props Assistant: Dave Hipperson Camera Operator: @davidcawleydop 1st AC: @maxedmed 2nd AC: @danzigg Sound Designer: @zai.tangent Floor Manager: @jgr6.6 Trainee Spark: @duqueephoto
Equipment & Software: Camera: @arri (ALEXA Mini LF) Lenses: @cookeoptics Camera & Lens Kit: @vmi.tv Lighting Kit: @ironhandfilmlighting Camera Tracking: @stype #redspy IBL: @litepanels / @quasarscience Stabilisation: @egripment_camera_support LED Volume: @roevisual @bromtontech @videoscreenservices VP Engine: @unrealengine Photogrammetry: @capturingrealitycom IBL Software: @assimilateinc
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of storytelling with Virtual Production Vs Handmade
