#40 Dave Macomber: Visualising a Fight for David Fincher, Unreal Engine & VFX
Apr 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Award-winning stunt coordinator Dave Macomber shares insights on pre-visualizing a fight sequence for David Fincher, his work on iconic blockbusters, and his venture into Unreal Engine filmmaking. He discusses the challenges of choreographing complex fight scenes, balancing creativity with practicality, and using motion capture technology in VFX production. Additionally, he highlights the importance of trust and teamwork in executing daring movie stunts.
Collaborating with David Fincher on fight sequences is intense and rewarding.
Utilizing Unreal Engine for stunt pre-visualization pushes boundaries and streamlines production processes.
Fight choreography serves as a physical dialogue reflecting characters' backgrounds and personalities.
Balancing technical learning with storytelling objectives in filmmaking is crucial for project success.
Motion capture technology enhances performance authenticity and streamlines choreographic processes.
Prioritizing storytelling goals over excessive design detail is key to efficient project completion.
Deep dives
Experience of Coordinating Stunts for David Fincher's Films
Coordinating stunts for David Fincher's films was described as a unique and collaborative challenge. The speaker highlighted the thrill of pre-visualizing a fight sequence for Fincher, emphasizing the pressure and intensity of auditioning camera angles for him. Despite a successful experience, there was a feeling of intimidation due to Fincher's attention to detail and precision in execution. The speaker praised Fincher's collaborative nature, recalling instances where the director actively sought feedback on the choreography process.
Utilizing Unreal Engine for Stunt Pre-visualization
The use of Unreal Engine for stunt pre-visualization was discussed, highlighting its increasing importance in the film industry. The speaker shared insights on leveraging Unreal Engine for projects like 'Assassin's Highway,' mentioning the ability to push boundaries beyond previous work. The eight-day process of creating complex fight sequences using Unreal Engine was described as both challenging and rewarding, showcasing the tool's significance as a relied-upon resource.
Approaching Fight Choreography as Dialogue
The concept of fight choreography as physical dialogue between characters was explored, emphasizing the need to reflect a character's background and personality in their fighting style. The speaker delved into the intricate process of choreographing fights, considering factors like size, training, and personality to ensure authenticity and narrative coherence. Attention to detail in choreography was highlighted, with an emphasis on conveying character traits and motivations through physical movements.
Balancing Technical Learning with Storytelling Goals
The speaker shared insights on balancing technical learning with storytelling objectives during the filmmaking process. The discussion touched on the importance of achieving a harmonious balance between mastering new tools like Unreal Engine and staying focused on storytelling and project completion. The significance of understanding post-production processes and being conversant in visual effects language was highlighted as a valuable asset for efficiency and collaboration on set.
Enhancing Fight Choreography with Motion Capture Technology
The integration of motion capture technology in fight choreography was emphasized, highlighting its impact on performance authenticity and visual storytelling. The speaker elaborated on using Rococo suits for motion capture and enhancing choreography with detailed motion data. The discussion underscored the benefits of motion capture technology in capturing nuanced performances and streamlining choreographic processes for increased efficiency and realism.
Balancing Creative Design and Project Completion
Striking a balance between creative design and project completion was discussed, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing storytelling goals over excessive design detail. The speaker shared insights on managing the creation of characters and assets efficiently to avoid getting lost in unnecessary minutiae. Key takeaways included focusing on storytelling effectiveness while utilizing available assets and tools to streamline the production process.
Using Realism and Efficiency in VFX Decision-making
The importance of realism and efficiency in VFX decision-making was highlighted, citing examples of informed decision-making during production. The speaker discussed the role of a director's understanding of post-production processes in guiding on-set choices and minimizing costly production disruptions. Insights were shared on maintaining a balance between creative vision and practical considerations to ensure seamless collaboration and effective VFX implementation.
Applying Practical Knowledge in Storytelling and Pre-visualization
The application of practical knowledge in storytelling and pre-visualization processes was discussed as a valuable asset in filmmaking. The speaker emphasized the benefits of understanding technical aspects of filmmaking, such as tracking markers and visual effects, to guide storytelling decisions and enhance production efficiency. Real-world examples were cited to illustrate the impact of informed decision-making on set dynamics and VFX workflows.
Harmonizing Technical Learning with Narrative Direction
The harmonious integration of technical learning with narrative direction in filmmaking was explored, emphasizing the need for a coherent balance between mastering new tools and prioritizing storytelling objectives. The discussion focused on leveraging technical skills like fluid simulations within the context of storytelling goals while avoiding excessive detours into technical complexities. Key takeaways included maintaining efficiency and focus on storytelling while embracing technological advancements for enhanced visual storytelling.
Director's Genius in VFX Knowledge and Design Choices
David Fincher's expertise in visual effects (VFX) and attention to detail shines through in his filmmaking approach. With a background in VFX, Fincher's meticulous design choices, such as using fully computer-generated (CG) shots seamlessly integrated into his films, demonstrate his mastery of the craft. For instance, in a fight sequence set in darkness, Fincher's deliberate choice not only reflects his view on violent characters but also strategically maximizes the use of stunt doubles and CG for a visually compelling scene. This exemplifies how Fincher's deep understanding and foresight in VFX enhance the storytelling process.
The Evolution of Previs with Unreal Engine Integration
The integration of Unreal Engine in previsualizations (previs) is revolutionizing the filmmaking process, allowing for enhanced collaboration and detailed planning across departments. By creating animatic previs with performance capture as a standard practice, filmmakers can benefit from a comprehensive visualization of scenes early on. This technology empowers directors, cinematographers, and stunt coordinators to explore set designs, lighting, and camera movements digitally, leading to a more informed and efficient production process. The real-time feedback and visualization capabilities of Unreal Engine enable teams to address potential challenges proactively, fostering a cohesive and organized approach to filmmaking.
Hollywood Stunt Coordinator Dave Macomber discusses previsualising a fight sequence for David Fincher's 'The Killer' and his latest Unreal Engine project.
Meet Dave Macomber, an award-winning stunt/fight coordinator and second unit director in the film industry. With a passion for Visual Effects (VFX), Dave seamlessly incorporates VFX elements into his stunt visualisations, providing a comprehensive template for the crew.
Having worked on iconic blockbusters like Transformers, HBO's Watchmen, and numerous Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Dave's expertise shines through. Just a glance at his IMDB page showcases his impressive portfolio.
In his latest project for David Fincher's 'The Killer', Dave coordinated a gripping 6-minute fight sequence shot mostly in darkness. Join him as he shares insights into collaborating with David Fincher, labelling it 'the most intimidating thing I've ever done in my career'.
'Killer vs Brute' exemplifies Dave's mastery in delivering high-impact action sequences.
Venturing into Unreal Engine filmmaking during his spare time, Dave's creativity knows no bounds. Last year, he unveiled 'The Ronin', his first Unreal Engine short film, showcasing a fight scene performed entirely by himself, using Rokoko motion capture technology. Now, with 'The Widow: Assassins Highway', Dave enlists a team of MARVEL stunt performers to help him capture the stunts and elevate the action.
This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the VFX pipeline, Hollywood stunt process, and Unreal Engine filmmaking.
The VFX Process... Getting Intimate With Your Industry!
