Real Performances in an Unreal World | FLITE

FLITE is the result of an experimental filmmaking process that puts Unreal Engine at the heart of the large scale VFX and animation pipeline FUSE, the Framestore Unreal Shot Engine. Using FUSE was transformative for the filmmaking experience harnessing the responsiveness, immersiveness and immediateness that are all baked into Unreal Engine.

Set in the semi-submerged London of 2053, FLITE captures the daring escape of Stevie, the reigning World hoverboard champion, from her abusive and controlling manager. Filmed across 5 days with a small cast featuring Alba Baptista Warrior Nun, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris), Gethin Anthony (Man Hunt: Unabomber, Game of Thrones) and Daniel Lawrence Taylor (Timewasters, Uncle) Framestore Chief Creative Officer and FLITE director Tim Webber and his production team pushed the limits of FUSE.

“One of the key things we've wanted to do on this project was create real performances in an unreal world. And if you want to capture a real performance in the unreal world, the world affects the performance,” explains Webber. “Being able to project the environment onto the LED walls around the actors gives them an ability to understand their setting, what’s happening, how they're interacting in a shot.

“When Alba was riding through the traffic, doing stunts and twisting upside down, we were able to create worlds in different orientations. She could get her eye line, sense cars coming past, see the action happening around her; it really helps an actor to have these visuals around them.”

Rehearsals also saw the actors able to explore the world of FLITE using VR headsets. The actors could experience what it was like on a futuristic Tower Bridge or tour Stevie’s apartment.

“It's a breath of fresh air because I can get actual virtual reality around me, I can be in this world created by our director which is incredible,” explains Alba.

Framestore continues to invest in technologies and people to bring life-like human performances into worlds both real and unreal. Taking the hybrid approach developed for Gravity a step further, FLITE blends live action plates with CGI created in Unreal Engine throughout.

Written & Directed by Tim Webber
Produced by Simon Whalley & Diarmid Scrimshaw
Animation & VFX by Framestore
Colour & Finish by Company 3
A Framestore Films & Inflammable Films Production

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