The Tourist
Welcome To The Aussie Outback: Wildlife and Environment Work In The Tourist
The Tourist is a gripping 6-part thriller from Two Brothers Pictures and All3Media Production, crafted by writers Harry & Jack Williams and directed by Daniel Nettheim and Chris Sweeney. The series stars Jamie Dornan as an amnesiac in the Australian outback who races to uncover his identity before it's too late. The show, a joint venture for BBC/HBO, subtly integrates visual effects to support its narrative, adding depth to the drama and dark humor without overshadowing them.
Vine FX handled the visual effects, enhancing scenes with both 2D and 3D shots. Although primarily set in Australia, the series uses digital matte painting and shot elements to transport viewers to diverse locations, including a Greek town and a bustling Indian street. The Art Department’s work also includes creating fictional Australian towns by modifying existing geography.
A standout feature is the use of photorealistic CG creatures like a boar, tortoises, and a kangaroo, crafted to move believably by studying real animal behavior. These creatures were modeled and animated using Maya, with Ziva used for muscle simulation and Xgen for grooming.
Weather effects added another layer of authenticity, including a massive desert sandstorm created with Houdini and 2D enhancements. The show also features visual effects of thunderstorms, with sky replacements and dramatic lighting. Gore enhancements and gunshot effects amplify the dark humor, such as scenes where a character is impaled on a broken window or blasted against a wall.
Routine post-production tasks included removing crew members from shots, altering signposts, and ensuring continuity. One unique challenge was the removal of flies from over 60 shots due to the outback’s harsh conditions.
The production faced logistical challenges with Vine FX in Cambridge, UK, and filming in Australia. This required careful scheduling and coordination across time zones, with team members adjusting to early morning and late-night sessions to ensure smooth communication and timely delivery.
