Design & asset creation
Develop a readable silhouette and anatomy, then build the model, topology and textures for the intended camera distance. Existing concepts and scans can provide the starting point.
Creature VFX for film
Imagined creatures.
Convincing performances.
Digital animals and creature assets for film and VFX production. From concept and modelling to rigging and animation, we shape the work around your shots and your team’s pipeline.
Discuss your filmExplore related film work
Built around
the shot.
A creature needs to belong in the story before it belongs in the frame. We plan silhouette, anatomy, surface and movement around how it will be photographed: the close-up, the wide shot, the moment of contact. Mimic Creatures brings together creature services within the Mimic Productions family, with a scope agreed for each production.
One creature.
A connected production process.
Digital animal doubles
Plan capture and reference around the production’s needs. Scan cleanup, modelling, texturing and deformation shapes turn reference into an asset the VFX team can work with.
Rigging & performance
Define the actions and deformation range early. Test the rig in representative poses, then develop blocking, timing and weight against the shot and editorial requirements.
Groom, look & handoff
Scope fur, feathers, materials and any simulation requirements alongside the asset. Agree lighting references, dependencies and delivery checks with the receiving team.
Related film work / Mimic Productions
The Hunger Games:
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Working with Film Service Babelsberg, Mimic Productions scanned the canine performer Demeter and developed a digital animal asset. The documented contribution includes modelling, texturing and blendshape modelling for the downstream VFX team.
Explore the projectClear decisions.
At every review.
Frame the brief
Share the creature’s role, shot list, references and existing assets. Agree the stages and delivery responsibilities.
Approve the asset
Review proportions and silhouette before detailed surfaces. Test key poses before committing to animation.
Develop the shot
Review blocking against the camera and edit, then refine performance within the approved direction.
Check the delivery
Review file versions, caches, textures and dependencies against the receiving pipeline’s specification.
Bring the brief.
We’ll help define the build.
An early conversation can identify what is ready, what needs development and where the production handoffs sit.
Talk through your production- Creature concepts, references or existing assets
- Shot list, camera distance and expected actions
- Target pipeline, renderer and delivery specification
- Schedule, review milestones and budget range
Production questions.
Can you join an existing VFX pipeline?
Share the receiving team’s asset specification, software versions and review process. We agree the production stages, dependencies and delivery format before work starts.
Do you create digital doubles of real animals?
Animal scanning and asset development can be scoped alongside modelling, texturing and blendshapes. Capture planning depends on the animal, access and the production’s requirements.
Can we commission only modelling or animation?
Yes. A single stage can be scoped around an existing asset. The team first reviews the available material and the work needed to make it suitable for the requested shots.
Is compositing included?
Do not assume a creature asset includes final shot compositing. Asset creation, animation, rendering and final integration responsibilities are agreed separately with your production.
What affects a film creature’s budget?
The number of creatures and shots, close-up detail, groom or simulation needs, facial performance, existing assets and review schedule all affect scope. A shot list and visual references help establish a useful estimate.