Robert Rodriguez Returns to Hybride for New Spy Kids Film

Once again, director Robert Rodriguez has turned to the creative minds at Montreal-based Hybride, (a division of Ubisoft Montreal), to produce visual effects for the latest installment of the Spy Kids franchise – Spy Kids 4: All the Time in The World in 4D.

The long-standing relationship between Hybride and Rodriguez began back in 1998 with the first of a series of collaborations. To date, the studio has created digital visual effects for more than 11 films by the renowned director, including VFX for all three previous Spy Kids movies.

For this latest installment, the order book listed 1,114 VFX shots, for a total of 64 minutes, which posed a significant challenge for the team of 95 artists working under a tight six-month deadline.

“Thanks to our long-standing relationship, we’ve adapted our work methods to Robert’s style. Though this made our job a little easier, we relied on the in-depth know how of our supervision team to efficiently manage the considerable workload resulting from the project’s tight deadlines”, said Daniel Leduc, VFX producer at Hybride.

In order to maximize productivity, Hybride artists developed innovative procedural tools and management practices tailored to the production’s specific needs. “Our proven technical and administrative infrastructures, combined with rigorous organizational skills, made it possible for us to adapt rapidly in order to meet the requirements of this large-scale project. The end results translate into impressive VFX shots – both from a technical and artistic point of view – that showcase our creative team’s talent and ingenuity”.

Hybride’s contribution includes the creation of 3D CG environments and integration of characters filmed on green screen in over 18 virtual settings. The Hybride team also developed cutting-edge technology to create an entirely virtual city. Each element was generated using procedural scripts to maximize production and to give the artists optimal freedom to create.

Hybride’s artists were also tasked with set extensions and particle simulation, creating CG characters, fire and explosions, holographic screens and many of the Spy Kids’ mind-blowing gadgets.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, the film stars Jessica Alba, Ricky Gervais, Alexa Vega, Jeremy Piven and Danny Trejo. Spy Kids 4: All the Time in The World in 4D is produced by Dimension Films and Troublemaker Studios and will be distributed in “4D Aroma-scope” throughout theatres Aug. 19.