The main contributions by Frame by Frame included:

Creation of two fully CGI sequences, with a focus on accurately reconstructing the ocean and simulating the submarine's movement dynamics.

Digital removal of the port, transforming the original footage into open-sea settings with no trace of coastal elements.

Integration of CGI depth charges, seamlessly blended with live-action footage to enhance the realism and tension of key scenes.

A standout case study is the 25-second fully CGI shot depicting the Cappellini submarine passing through a swarm of thousands of jellyfish that begin to explode due to the presence of depth charges.

The impact of this pivotal moment in the film was heavily influenced by close collaboration between director Edoardo De Angelis and the production team during the early stages of conceptualizing the effect.

Creating this visual effect posed a significant challenge, as it required developing an entirely new effect with no existing references. The team had to fully imagine what a jellyfish explosion would look like, immediately engaging the entire team in brainstorming sessions to bring the idea to life.

Guided by our VFX Creative Director Tommaso Ragnisco, who developed the storyboard and concept for the shot, we meticulously designed every element—from the density of the jellyfish to the lighting effects generated by the explosions.

Once the concept was approved, we created CG previsualizations while simultaneously gathering accurate references for jellyfish and real underwater explosions.

We conducted physical tests, crafting jellyfish out of wax and detonating them in an aquarium with small charges. This process immersed the artists in a creative cycle of observation and analysis. The explosions were filmed in slow motion to capture every detail, providing precise references for achieving maximum realism in the VFX.

A critical aspect of this project was managing the rendering schedule for the fully CGI 25-second shot, which required a total of six months of work, from February to mid-August 2023.

Comandante demonstrates the importance of integrating the VFX and directing teams from the earliest stages of production. The seamless harmony between creative vision and technology transformed a storytelling moment into an iconic visual experience, setting a new benchmark for both national and international cinema.