Code-Matrix Interviews Stephane Ceretti, a VFX Supervisor

CODE-MATRIX
How was BUF compagnie contacted for the project ? Which work made them decide to work with you ?

STEPHANE CERETTI
We had been contacted to work on the first movie, but at the time we could not participate to the project. We cannot forget that the bullet time effect was a “variation” of a technique created by BUF in the mid-90’s! There are many diverse reasons that a company will be chosen over another company. I believe that they wanted to work with us for a long time and that our past work show our ability to provide them with images of a worthy of a big Hollywood production. I dont think they really wanted to add a “french touch” but rather a “BUF’s touch”.

CODE-MATRIX
Does the brothers’ original script carry any information that would help to the comprehension of the movie ?

STEPHANE CERETTI
The script was very dense, but not explanatory. It took a lot of thinking and a lot of concentration to identify the small details that help to understand its meaning.

CODE-MATRIX
You worked on the architect sequence. Did you received directives on the videos to insert into each screen ?

STEPHANE CERETTI
We talked to the brothers after they were done filming the sequence. Then we received boxes and boxes of archival videos…
A first selection took place, then we showed them the complete sequence. Then we worked on the transitions, on the choice of precise videos and screens, and on the timing of certain sequences. That was not as simple as it seems !

CODE-MATRIX
As far as you know, are there lots of deleted scenes in both movies ?

STEPHANE CERETTI
Yes, I believe so, there are always a lot of deleted scenes in movies for many reasons (time limitation, special effects difficulties, ideas that do not work…)

CODE-MATRIX
Were you contacted for interviews or short documentaries in the prospect of a box set ?

STEPHANE CERETTI
We gave them a lot of material at the end of each movie (Making of, images filmed at BUF…). So far, nothing consequent in the existing DVD’s but we are hoping to be in the box set !

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