Director Sam Raimi and visual effects supervisor Bruce Jones recently turned to Culver City-based I.E. Effects to deliver key visual effects sequences for Drag Me to Hell. The horror film, which opened May 29, tells the story of a woman who is subject to a supernatural curse and features stunning visual effects sequences.
David Kenneth, visual effects producer and founder of I.E. Effects, explained that the facility handled some 35 shots in total. "The project called for a lot of character design and animation. We were honored with creating the CG monster for the film, the Lamia," said Kenneth. "Shots like these typically go to much larger facilities, but our previz was so well received that they awarded us the finishing work."
Aaron Kaminar, I.E. Effects' visual effects supervisor and lead artist on Drag me to Hell, explained that "the most challenging shots were the monster scenes, and the sequence in Christine's bedroom. This is a horror movie, so the pacing of the story moves from long, slow sequences, which build suspense, to very fast, impactful moments. While you only see the monster for in brief flashes, those few frames are some of the film's more memorable moments."