IDA | Tsunami VFX: How We Created a Disaster at Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland + AI in VFX discussion

Dive into the VFX magic behind the breathtaking tsunami in the sci-fi film "Ida". Our team faced the challenge of bringing a terrifying force of nature to life on the iconic Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. Get an exclusive look at how we did it, and explore the challenges of crafting such a complex effect. Finally, hear our VFX director's insights on AI's impact on the industry.

OUTLINE:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Joan Lesan explains how the VFX was created
02:16 - Final part of the tsunami scene at different stages
02:35 - Reynisfjara beach, the most famous beach in Iceland
03:00 - The lack of references about tsunamis
03:10 - How big is the tsunami?
03:27 - What is the key to generate a good tsunami?
04:44 - The use of AI in VFX short/medium term
05:41 - AI and tsunamis
06:21 - Current limitations in AI vs human imagination
06:26 - AI as a very powerful tool for artists
07:11 - The issue of precision in AI short/medium term
08:11 - Joan's feelings about AI
08:43 - What if Leonardo Da Vinci had access to today's AI?
08:59 - The impact of AI on professional artists
09:42 - Closing

Iceland's legendary Reynisfjara Beach, known for its black sand and basalt sea stacks, sets the stage for the climate catastrophe in our movie. Why is Reynisfjara so famous?
Striking Beauty: Reynisfjara Beach is famed for its black sand, dramatic basalt sea stacks, and powerful waves – a combination that creates a hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly landscape.
Mythology: Icelandic folklore weaves tales of trolls around Reynisfjara's rock formations, adding an element of mystery and legend to this iconic location.
Filming Location: Its unique atmosphere has made Reynisfjara Beach a popular filming spot, featured in movies like "Game of Thrones" and "Star Wars".

The centerpiece of this video is the Tsunami our VFX team created
Unstoppable Power: Tsunamis unleash immense amounts of energy, traveling vast distances across oceans and causing widespread devastation upon reaching coastlines.
Unpredictability: Their sudden generation from earthquakes or volcanic activity makes tsunamis difficult to predict, adding to their destructive potential

Creating a Tsunami with VFX is one of the biggest challenges that can be undertaken in visual effects
Complex Fluid Dynamics: Replicating the turbulent and chaotic nature of tsunami waves with computer graphics requires a deep understanding of physics and fluid simulation.
Scale: The sheer size and power of tsunamis require VFX artists to manage massive simulations to achieve realistic results.
Detail: From the initial wave formation to the crashing impact on land, accurate tsunami VFX involve intricate details like foam, spray, and debris.

Watch Ida's trailer: https://ideami.com/ida

Ida's synopsis:
In a future where artificial intelligences are subject to rules imposed by humans, Ida, an AI that cultivates the land in service to her creators, faces the aftermath of a global disaster. In a desolate world, an unexpected encounter will lead her to a pivotal decision that could change the fate of both her kind and humanity

Ideami Studios
ideami.com