Universal Pixels ICVFX division chosen to supply Amazon’s The Power

Universal Pixels (UP) adds The Power to its ICVFX credits.

Universal Pixels has supplied crew and technical equipment to Amazon Prime TV’s critically acclaimed nine-part series, The Power.

Starring Toni Collette, John Leguizamo and Auli’i Cravalho, this fast-paced hit show is based on the 2016 science fiction novel by British author Naomi Alderman in which young women across the globe develop mysterious new powers, namely the ability to shoot electricity out of their fingertips!

For this cleverly adapted screen project, UP was charged with providing in-camera scenery and reflections for the production’s vehicle shots, as orchestrated by multiple directors.

Driving Plates supplied 360-degree plates, while UP deployed Roe DM 2.6mm LED screens and an INFiLED ER5 LED ceiling screen powered by Brompton processing, with playback via disguise gx 2cmedia servers.

UP’s ICVFX arm was represented by Lead Tech Gareth Manicom, whose job involved coordinating with the production team to ensure that the screens and playback systems were integrated seamlessly into the filming process.

Manicom said: “The scope of work included installing ground-stacked screens on three sides of the stage and a ceiling screen that was rigged on beam rollers so it could slide in and out over the cars. The screens were used for in-camera VFX, reflections, and lighting. Additionally, they were turned into green screens with tracking markers when not in use.

“Roe’s DM 2.6mm product was chosen for the side walls, and were used for the in-camera shots because of their higher pixel pitch. Another wall and the ceiling consisted of INFiLED ER5, and was used primarily for lighting purposes. We opted for Brompton’s SX40 processors as they have good colour control and useful features that allow for camera synchronisation, and for the user to iron out any artifacts that might occur between the screen and camera sensor,” he adds.

disguise gx 2c media servers allowed the team to manage playback and manipulate the 10bit plate content. Adderlink XDIP KVM enabled the operator’s cart to be on-stage while server and processing racks were away from the action to help keep the noise on set to a bare minimum.

The plates were shot with multiple cameras and angles from a car driving through various cities, and Manicom was tasked with arranging the clips onto the different screens depending on the position of the camera, adjusting perspective, colour and intensity as required.

As is becoming more commonplace on multi-episode series, each episode of The Power had a different Director and DoP.

Manicom continues: “It was very interesting to work in this environment, and to see how the different creatives used the technology at hand. In working with UP, the equipment used is always in immaculate condition and neatly packaged.

“UP’s in-house team is very organised too, so they’re a pleasure to work with. The Power is a great example of what we can achieve together.”

The 9-part action-packed thriller has become the latest, hugely successful addition to UP’s ICVFX credits.

In concluding, UP’s ICVFX Manager, Dan Edmonds notes: “We’re so pleased with the results achieved on this show. Gareth did an amazing job, and has been crucial in delivering the project. It’s another great example of UP’s HETV skills and key relationships being utilised by the best in the film and TV industries.”

All episodes of The Power are available to stream now on Amazon Prime.