Working as a freelance Matte Painter for the renowned studio Raynault FX, STARNO contributed to the complex historical urban reconstruction of 19th-century New York City for the musical blockbuster The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman.
The primary challenge consisted of creating detailed nighttime digital environments across multiple sequences. Raynault FX provided the original plates and footage along with various 3D renders that served as a technical foundation. Our task was to breathe life and historical accuracy into these digital sets, blending 3D assets with advanced matte painting techniques to evoke the atmosphere of a burgeoning Manhattan.
Historical reconstruction remains one of the most rewarding challenges in the industry, requiring a meticulous eye for realism, period-accurate lighting, and architectural textures. Helping recreate the world of P.T. Barnum was an inspiring journey into the heart of visual storytelling.
Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life.
The story follows Barnum (Hugh Jackman), a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Set against the backdrop of 1800s New York, the film explores his journey as he assembles a troupe of extraordinary performers, challenging the social norms of the era and proving that the "noblest art is that of making others happy."
With show-stopping musical numbers and a vibrant visual palette, the film captures a pivotal moment in history when entertainment was being redefined by technology, curiosity, and sheer willpower.
STARNO TEAM:Frédéric St-Arnaud
Raynault FX
FEATURE FILM – 2017