VFX Challengers. 650 shots and 7 months of work: from the fury of city winds to architectural reconstructions, our visual effects brought the director's vision to life
Challengers
The sequences ranged from complex atmospheric simulations, such as a city windstorm, to precise technical interventions like set extensions, beauty work, and the removal of anachronistic elements—all orchestrated to align with the director’s vision.
One key scene involved creating a windstorm. Using CG and compositing, powerful gusts, debris, paper scraps, leaves and urban objects were thrown into chaotic motion. Subtle details, like wind-blown curtains and swaying poles, were also simulated for an effect that was seamless yet entirely believable.
Another crucial task focused on the sequences set at Stanford University, digitally reconstructed as they were filmed elsewhere. Matte painting and compositing recreated the vegetation and architecture with meticulous precision, crafting a backdrop that integrates perfectly into the narrative context.
Compositing
CG integration
Set extension
Beauty
Fx
Matte painting
Clean up
Gfx
Screen insert
Split screen


In two sequences, New York’s skyline reflected on the sea was digitally recreated to complete the landscape behind the actors on a moonlit night. The matte painting defined the scene, precisely integrated during compositing to seamlessly blend with the foreground.
In other scenes, the vegetation around the tennis courts was enhanced and digitally extended to align the background with the setting. Trees and plants were added in every camera-visible direction, creating a fully immersive 360° natural environment.


Challengers – VFX breakdown