STARNO contributed high-end Digital Matte Painting and Environment Design for the fantasy epic Gods of Egypt, directed by Alex Proyas. Our primary focus was the film's monumental opening sequence—a complex, continuous "bird's-eye view" flyover that travels across the Nile Valley and culminates in a breathtaking reveal of the ancient Egyptian capital.
This introductory sequence was a massive collaborative effort, requiring the seamless integration of 3D assets and intricate matte paintings to create a world of mythic proportions. Frédéric St-Arnaud worked on expanding the vast landscapes, adding geological realism to the valley, and detailing the dense urban architecture of the city. The work involved creating photorealistic textures for golden monuments, sprawling temple complexes, and the atmospheric haze of the desert sun.
Beyond the opening shot, our team produced several other matte paintings featured throughout the film, specifically focusing on the interior city limits and the grandiose skyline. These shots required a perfect balance between historical Egyptian architecture and the heightened, "god-like" aesthetic of the film. This project was a significant team achievement, with various digital environments meticulously crafted by the STARNO team for Raynault FX.
In Gods of Egypt, the survival of mankind hangs in the balance as an unexpected mortal hero, Bek (Brenton Thwaites), undertakes a thrilling journey to save the world and rescue his true love. To succeed, he must enlist the help of the powerful god Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in an unlikely alliance against Set (Gerard Butler), the merciless god of darkness, who has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict.
As their breathtaking battle against Set and his henchmen takes them into the afterlife and across the heavens, both god and mortal must pass tests of courage and sacrifice if they hope to prevail in the epic final confrontation.
STARNO TEAM:Frédéric St-Arnaud
Raynault FX
Feature Film – 2016
GODS OF EGYPT © 2016 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. Visual effects by Raynault FX.