GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitted by :
AFAR (France)
Country of origin :
France
Release date :
Type :
Feature film
Director :
Xavier Gens
IMDb :
Synopsis :
To save Paris from a bloodbath, a grieving scientist is forced to face her tragic past when a giant shark appears in the Seine.
ADs Team :
1st AD : Thomine de Pins (AFAR)
2nd AD : Benjamin Gens
2nd AD (& 1st AD 2nd Unit) : Julie-Anne Simon
2nd AD (Spain) : David Altamirano
2nd AD (Spain) : Christopher Downs
2nd AD (Belgium part 1) : Florence Gilson
3rd AD (& 2nd AD Belgium part 2) : Céline Morsomme
3rd AD (France & Spain) : Manon Manucci
TRAILER
BEHIND THE SCENES
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Duration of the shooting :
62 days (57 days Main Unit, 2 days 2nd Unit, 3 days VFX unit)
Location of the shooting :
Belgium (Lites water stage Vilvoorde, Brussels)
France (Paris)
Spain (Ciudad de La Luz Film Studios Alicante)
AD notes :
We faced several challenges while shooting this film, including :
- Estimating shooting time: This was the first time for everyone involved in such extensive underwater shooting, both in a controlled stage environment and in the open sea.
- Ensuring proper equipment and training: We had to ensure the equipment was suitable for the conditions and that the cast and their doubles were thoroughly trained for the underwater sequences.
- Coordinating the crew: The diverse locations required careful coordination to keep everyone in sync.
- Navigating authorizations and restrictions: We had to manage the necessary permits and restrictions for shooting in the open sea in Spain and on the river in Paris.
- Managing weather challenges: We contended with unpredictable weather, including rain in Paris and a storm in Spain.
- Maintaining continuity of lighting: With outdoor stages in Spain, a river shoot in Paris, and a studio in Belgium, keeping consistent lighting across all locations was crucial.
- Ensuring continuity of water texture: We had to ensure consistency in the appearance of water across various environments, including the sea, pool, and river.
In addition to the challenges we faced, I’d like to share a few key highlights from our prep work that were crucial to the success of this project:
- Extensive film tests: During prep, we conducted numerous tests, including dry-for-wet techniques and water texture experiments, to ensure everything looked and felt as authentic as possible.
- Shark animatronic innovation: One of the most exciting achievements was the creation of the first-ever functional shark animatronic. It was engineered to have the right flotation, speed, and movement, setting a new benchmark in animatronic technology.
- Animatic film: We also created a detailed animatic film as a reference. This was instrumental in developing the shot list and providing a visual foundation for the entire team, ensuring consistency and clarity across all stages of production.
These efforts were integral to achieving the seamless integration of practical effects and visual storytelling. It was a true team effort, and I’m proud of what we accomplished together.
Thomine de Pins, 1st AD