On general release throughout North America since 19 February, Race is a period drama produced by Forecast Pictures and distributed by Focus Features. The Hollywood film benefited from the support of Montreal-based company Digital Dimension for its visual effects needs.
On this film directed by Stephen Hopkins (Lost in Space, 24, House of Lies), Digital Dimension collaborated with Montreal studio MELS to recreate the 1930s. Shot in part on set in Quebec last year, it was necessary to recreate all the locations the film’s lead character, the Olympic athlete Jesse Owens ventures through. Melding historical buildings around athletics tracks and adding crowds going wild in the stands was only part of the work to be done by Digital Dimension’s team of artists.
“Working on RACE was a great challenge for the whole team. The time dedicated to bringing this significant period in modern history to life was one appreciated by all our artists. It really was a pleasure to work with our peers at studio MELS, who were team players and this closeness between the two studios was a real advantage in getting the work done.” – comments Peter Skovsbo, producer at Digital Dimension.
The film which stars Stephan James (Selma), Jason Sudeikis (Saturday Night Live), and Carice van Houten (Game of Thrones) tells the story of Jesse Owens, a young black athlete who on 5 August 1936 won the 200m in Berlin before a crowd of Nazis and their leader Adolf Hitler. Beyond these Games, he obtained 4 gold medals (100m, long-jump, 200m, and the 4x100m), becoming a legend and an example to the rest of the world.
About Digital Dimension
Founded in 1996, winner of 6 Emmy® Awards and 4 Visual Effects Society Awards, Digital Dimension specializes in the creation of visual effects and 3D animation for the film, television, and interactive entertainment industries. For further information visit: www.digitaldimension.com
