Captain America: Civil War

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

This marked Cinesite’s third collaboration with Marvel.  The team completed a range of shots throughout the film, from environments to CG Quinjet shots and character animation for The Black Panther.

The primary challenge in Cinesite’s sequences of Black Panther shots was to completely replace the original practical suit, shot by shot, with a full CG rendition, to tighten folds in the material and create an overall metallic look.  In one Bucharest rooftop battle sequence, Cinesite executed a complete replacement of the live stunt performer.

Other key sequences within Cinesite’s body of work took place at the Hydra’s Siberian missile base. Cinesite realized shots of the bunker and the surrounding environment, using plates shot in Iceland, and also animated shots of Black Panther, who tracks Captain America and the Winter Solider to the location. For the rock-covered entrance, to the base, the team completely remodelled the rockwork, replacing everything from the set piece to give it a more organic appearance and really bond it to the mountaintop. The practical bunker doors were also replaced and additional CG ice added. Later aerial and establishing shots of the Hydra base required moving vehicles, military personnel, silos, background alpine mountains and additional snow and atmospherics to be added.

Other notable aspects of Cinesite’s work include a complete CG replacement of Bucky’s robotic hand and Zemo’s bomb, adding Tony Stark’s subtle arc reactor scar and replacement shots for Captain America’s most iconic weapon – his shield.

Captain Amercia: Civil War is directed by Anthony Russo & Joe Russo, with Cinesite VFX Supervisor Simon Stanley-Clamp leading the team.

  • Release date: 06.05.2016
  • Studio: Marvel
  • Directors: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
  • Chris Evans as Captain America
  • Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man
  • Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow