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Primeval is the culmination of
a long journey for Producer/Director Fred Tepper, but the film itself was
created in record time: it was conceived in February 2002 and principal
photography wrapped at the end of August. For an independent film that’s
unheard of, and it was only made possible because of the producers’ experience
and the hard work of everyone in front of and behind the camera.
Working with a creature designed by famed digital effects artist and designer Taron (Dogma, Battlefield Earth, Spy Kids 2, etc.) and his wife Olivera, Technical Director Ron Griswold has used messiah:studio to create an advanced animation rig that allows us to turn out studio quality animation with an ease previously unimaginable. And of course you can't have a Sasquatch without hair, so Worley Laboratories' amazing, and aptly named, Sasquatch plug-in for LightWave is being used. The quality of the fur/hair and the amount of control over its application are crucial in matching the look to the live-action costume. In fact, several scenes require applying a digital head to the suit, and the match is perfect. Click on the images below to see them full size.
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Film is a collaborative art and Primeval is a great example of
that. It was a true team effort, and with a team as accomplished as the
one assembled here, cast included of course, there was never any doubt about the finished
result. Everyone rose to the challenge and exceeded their goals.
Production
took place at three locations: Topanga State Park, Malibu State
Park, and Griffith Park, all in Los Angeles. Other locations
had been considered, but the look of the trees in these parks lent themselves to
the film in ways that no other location could match. The twisted, gnarled
trees give an eerie feel to the whole film and enhance the mystery and suspense.
