PHILADELPHIA — Dive VFX (www.divevisual.com) produced approximately 175 shots for the new David O. Russell film Silver Linings Playbook, which opens nationally on November 21.
Dive served as the lead VFX vendor on the film, which was shot in and around the Philadelphia area. It stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro, and Chris Tucker and tells the story of a former teacher (Cooper), who returns to his parents’ home after spending time in a mental health facility. He strikes a deal with a new acquaintance, Tiffany (Lawrence), to help him reunite with his ex-wife.
In addition to providing on-set VFX supervision, the studio helped polish the look of the feature, which was shot mostly hand-held. DIVE VFX supervisor Ed Mendez says Silver Linings Playbook was a 2D and paint-heavy show, but doesn’t feature in-your-face visual effects. The studio worked on reflections and shadow removal of crews and camera throughout the film. Their work ranged from a photoreal CGI book crashing through a window, to TV and iPod monitor replacements, to set touch ups. They also decreased the green in grass shots to make them appear more seasonally appropriate.
Dive credits include VFX creative supervisor Marko Forker, VFX producer David James, VFX coordinator Ian Markiewicz, VFX EP Bob Lowery and VFX production supervisor Andy Williams. Bryan Baker served as VFX editor. Tyler Lockard, Colton Miller, Matthew Robertson and Anton Moss all served as compositors on the project. Jeremy Fernsler handled 3D and Mark Longchamps worked as a paint artist.