Use matte painting methods for solving complex VFX shots, extending practical sets etc.
Besides the close approximation of a previsualization shot, blocking out a scene, a complex vfx shot usually starts with a concept and design work, which also lets you get a general mood of the whole atmosphere, lighting, composition and timing. Also figuring out what kind of assets do we need to inhabit the shot with.
From full 3D environments to 2,5D methods, there are a wide variety of creative techniques to bring your vision to life. In most of the cases textures and assets are collected personally by photographing and videographing them on certain locations that will fit the needs of the production design. This also includes shooting backplates in a second unit. Then they go through an optimization, then finally a camera projection and matte painting process, suited for the big screen.
