Bringing History to Life: Cinesite’s Collaboration with Steve McQueen on “Blitz”
Working closely with Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen to deliver the visual effects for Blitz was a labour of love for Cinesite.
The film follows the adventures of a defiant young boy, George, who goes on an adventure in London during World War II, only to find himself in immense peril amidst the Blitz, while his distraught mother searches for him. Produced and directed by Steve McQueen, the film stars Elliot Heffernan as George and Saoirse Ronan as Rita, his mother. Premiering and opening the prestigious London Film Festival on 9th October 2024, Blitz shows the harsh reality of war from a child’s perspective. Cinesite’s 140 visual effects play an entirely supporting role in the historical drama, even where, at the height of the Blitz bombing, we’re proud to have created some of the most impactful moments in the film.
Director Steve McQueen shared his reflections on the collaboration with Cinesite, stating:
“We worked with Cinesite on a pivotal sequence in the last act of the film – an explosive set piece involving a bomber plane crashing into a warehouse, dangerously close to our lead character. I found them to be incredibly collaborative and they worked in harmony with our VFX team to seamlessly integrate their work into the narrative to not only enhance the emotional impact of this moment, but to add to the visual storytelling in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Not only did they elevate the whole sequence, they made it a standout moment for the film. I look forward to working with them again in the future.” – Steve McQueen
Cinesite’s contribution to Blitz extended far beyond the action sequences. Max Dennison, Cinesite’s VFX Supervisor, explains:
“Blitz is a historical drama, a gentle story about a little boy who gets lost in the Blitz and his journey to find his way back home. We approached it as sensitively as possible; this was not a big, in-your-face visual effects production and our work absolutely needed to play a supporting role to the main story. The visual effects needed to be invisible and as authentic as possible, transporting the viewer back to 1940s London.”- Max Denninson
Dennison added:
“We grounded the visual effects that we created in reality, with the artists really invested, owning their shots. Everyone had a passion for what they were doing, which is very important for a film like this – it was a labour of love for all of us.” – Max Denninson
Finally, the results of Cinesite’s partnership with Steve McQueen showcase how the studio combined historical accuracy with emotional storytelling, ensuring the visual effects not only supported McQueen’s vision but also enhanced the film’s portrayal of London during the Blitz.
Discover the Story Behind the Scenes
Apple TV has released a new featurette for Blitz, giving a glimpse into the teamwork and creativity behind the film, including Cinesite’s impressive VFX work. Don’t miss out, and watch it below!
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