Short Film Visual Effects Case Study: “Superstar”

Accident scene from Superstar with VFX completed by Foxtrot X-Ray

Digital blood and glass complete this motion-controlled accident shot for “Superstar.” Move the slider to toggle between before and after.

Project Type

Short Film

Production Company

Save the Airwaves

Directors

Jacob Heimlich

Talha Hussaini

Producers

Jacob Heimlich

Talha Hussaini

Julianna Oommen

Parco Richardson

Fantasy and Sci-Fi

“Paul and the entire team at Foxtrot X-Ray were indispensable to the creation of our film Superstar. Their contributions, from fine-tuning small details to constructing entire environments, were pivotal in shaping the essence of the project. Paul and his team played an integral role in defining what Superstar has become.”

— Talha Hussaini, co-director

After being involved in a tragic car accident, Frankie, a rising actress, prepares to give her first TV interview after her prolonged hiatus from the public eye all while trying to deal with her deteriorating, hallucinogenic psychosis. (IMDb)

Continuing our commitment to assisting Arizona filmmakers with their visual effects needs, Foxtrot X-Ray produced 16 invisible VFX shots for the short film “Superstar” which was produced by Save the Airwaves and Spellbinder, and directed by Jacob Heimlich and Talha Hussaini.

Foxtrot X-Ray’s Paul DeNigris was on set as VFX supervisor for the film, overseeing the sequence that plays out in the “black void” of Frankie’s fractured mind. In post, the black void shots were stitched together using VFX to create seamless transitions from reality. This was effective in crafting the ethereal and otherworldly environment of the scene. Paul DeNigris also oversaw production of the haunting opening accident shot. In a single take, the camera moved through the car to show the devastation of the wreck. Using 3D camera tracking, Foxtrot X-Ray enhanced the scene with a large amount of blood, as well as replacing the bluescreen outside the car’s smashed window.

Superstar went on to win Best Arizona Short at the 2024 Phoenix Film Festival. Foxtrot X-Ray is proud to have supported such a compelling narrative with our VFX.

Other projects featuring similar effects by Foxtrot X-Ray include 7 Days: Blood Moons, Nova, and The Last Deal.

To discuss how Foxtrot X-Ray can create dramatic and striking imagery and other VFX for your projects, schedule a meeting with our team of professionals today.