STARNO collaborated with the specialized VFX studio Raynault FX to provide digital environment enhancements for the critically acclaimed film WILD, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. Our work focused on the visual authenticity of the vast landscapes encountered by the protagonist during her journey.
In a key sequence where Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) traverses a grueling desert section of the Pacific Crest Trail, several environment modifications were required. As a Freelance Matte Painter, Frédéric St-Arnaud was tasked with digitally "planting" and integrating a large number of Joshua Trees across the arid landscape.
This process involved meticulous Matte Painting to ensure the trees matched the specific lighting, shadows, and parched atmosphere of the California desert. Beyond simple additions, the goal was to enhance the natural scale and density of the flora, creating a more immersive and visually rich environment that reflects the isolation and raw beauty of the wilderness.
Based on the best-selling memoir by Cheryl Strayed, WILD tells the powerful true story of one woman's 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Following the loss of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage, Cheryl makes a transformative decision to confront her past and find herself again in the wilderness.
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and starring **Reese Witherspoon** in an Oscar-nominated performance, the film is a poignant exploration of grief, resilience, and the healing power of nature. The authenticity of the environments plays a crucial role in conveying the physical and emotional challenges of her journey.
STARNO TEAM:Frédéric St-Arnaud (Freelance Matte Painter)
Raynault FX
FEATURE FILM – 2014
© 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.