Lux Aeterna brings historical Berlin to life in Einstein and the Bomb

Bristol-based VFX studio Lux Aeterna was tapped by Netflix and BBC Studios Science Unit to work on over 70 shots for the historical drama Einstein and the Bomb.

One of the film’s pivotal scenes, set in the now-destroyed Berlin Philharmonic Hall, required a digital reconstruction of the iconic venue. Using advanced creative lighting techniques in Nuke, Lux Aeterna seamlessly blended VFX of the building with live-action footage shot at Shepperton Studios.

To ensure historical accuracy, the studio enlisted a historian to help create a precise model of the hall. This model served as the foundation, with additional architectural details crafted using Houdini, Maya, and Nuke. Green screens and VFX crowd simulations further enhanced sequences involving hundreds of extras.

Achieving seamless integration of various elements required consistent lighting, which was meticulously aligned in 3D rendering with VFX plates. Lux Aeterna’s compositors leveraged AOVs (Arbitrary Output Variables) to accurately merge CGI and live-action components, resulting in a highly realistic visual experience.

Collaboration between the compositing and 3D departments was crucial in achieving this level of realism. To maintain narrative continuity and visual consistency, Lux Aeterna worked closely with production designer Noam Piper on set. This partnership culminated in a breathtaking climax sequence that skillfully combined live-action and computer-generated imagery.