The Happening

The Third Floor worked with M. Night Shyamalan to design some of The Happening’s signature moments. John Leguizamo’s car crash was one of the team’s first challenges. Motion Control winches were used to maneuver the camera and the car based on the timing that was worked out in the previs. The velocity of the previs camera was monitored closely to make sure that the shot could be reproduced on location.

The Lion Attack footage was also staged by The Third Floor team. This was less of a technical challenge and more of a safety issue, so that the animal wranglers could train the real lions to perform specific actions. Since animal training takes time, Shyamalan had to approve the intent of the animal performances and the camerawork well in advance of the shoot.

Lastly, the previs team delivered a couple of crane moves that were intended to energize the camerawork at the end of the film. Animated orthographic views were produced for the live-action crew, so they could see the mechanics behind each cinematic option. We could tell you which move they went with, but that might spoil the ending…