High-tech reimaging of The Lion King 

Disney’s latest cartoon-to-live-action remake is blurring the lines between animation and reality,
inventing an entirely new computer-generated filmmaking process, dubbed virtual production


Virtual reality (VR) brings The Lion King to life, allowing crew to enter virtual sets and film scenes
using traditional methods:

1 Record actors performing scenes

2 Create sets and rudimentary animations on computer, synchronising actors’ dialogue to digital
characters – using Unity video game 3D engine*

3 VR headsets allow crew to “enter” environment. Moving around in real world, using mock camera equipment mounted with sensors, allows same shots to be mimicked inside virtual surroundings

4 With shots finalised, visual effects artists refine scenes using pioneering photorealistic graphics – referencing actors’ facial expressions to create lifelike visuals (right)


VIRTUAL WORLD

Animation plays out in virtual world, with crew able to replay it while moving around, looking for perfect shot

“Volume”: Motion capture stage pioneered by James Cameron in Avatar, here used to track positions of equipment and crew

Director can even move sun to better light scene

REAL WORLD

Camera dolly


Director Jon Favreau (left) and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel scout locations inside virtual African savanna – from warehouse in Los Angeles

1994 original: Highest-grossing hand-drawn animated movie – taking $968m worldwide (includes 2002 IMAX re-release and 2011 3D conversion)

1994 merchandising haul: More than $1 billion

1997 stage musical: Most profitable entertainment property ever created – over $8 billion

ICONIC SCENE COMPARISON

1994 original

2019 remake


*Visuals of lower complexity than cinema effects 


Sources: Wired, Entertainment Weekly, IGN, Disney 
Pictures: © Disney Enterprises, Inc
© GRAPHIC NEWS