The upcoming action movie Gran Turismo, based on the popular video game franchise, features some of the most realistic and immersive racing scenes ever filmed. The filmmakers used Sony VENICE 2 cameras with Rialto 2 extension units to place them inside the cockpits of real race cars, capturing the speed, adrenaline, and emotion of the drivers.
How Sony VENICE 2 Rialto 2 Units Work
The Sony VENICE 2 is a full-frame digital cinema camera that offers stunning image quality, high dynamic range, and wide color gamut. The camera can record up to 8K resolution and supports various frame rates and aspect ratios. The Rialto 2 is an extension system that allows the camera body to be separated from the image sensor block by up to 18 meters, using a single cable. This enables the camera to be mounted in tight spaces and hard-to-reach places, such as inside a race car cockpit.
The Rialto 2 also provides full control over the camera settings, such as exposure, focus, zoom, iris, and white balance, from a remote panel or a wireless device. The camera operator can monitor the live feed from the image sensor block on a viewfinder or a monitor. The Rialto 2 is compatible with both VENICE and VENICE 2 cameras.
Why Sony VENICE 2 Rialto 2 Units Were Chosen for Gran Turismo
The director of Gran Turismo, Neill Blomkamp, wanted to create a realistic and immersive experience for the audience, by showing the perspective of the drivers as they race on various tracks around the world. He also wanted to avoid using CGI or green screen as much as possible, and rely on practical effects and real locations.
To achieve this vision, he needed a camera system that could fit inside the race car cockpits, without compromising the image quality or the performance of the drivers. He also needed a camera system that could withstand the high speeds, vibrations, and temperatures of the racing environment. He found the perfect solution in the Sony VENICE 2 Rialto 2 units.
The filmmakers used up to 20 Sony VENICE 2 cameras with Rialto 2 units at a time, placing them in various positions inside and outside the race cars. They used different lenses and filters to create different looks and moods for each scene. They also used different stabilization methods for the cameras, depending on the desired effect. For example, they used unstabilized cameras outside the cockpit to create shaky and epic shots when the car drives more than 200mph.
How Sony VENICE 2 Rialto 2 Units Enhanced the Storytelling of Gran Turismo
The use of Sony VENICE 2 Rialto 2 units not only created stunning visuals for Gran Turismo, but also enhanced the storytelling and the character development of the movie. The filmmakers were able to capture the expressions, emotions, and reactions of the drivers in real time, as they faced various challenges and dangers on the track. They were also able to show the interaction and communication between the drivers and their teammates or rivals.
The filmmakers were also able to create a contrast between the virtual world of gaming and the real world of racing, by showing how different they are in terms of risk, reward, and skill. The movie follows the journey of a struggling working-class gamer who gets a chance to compete in the most elite sport in the world – from a video game to a real racing car. The movie explores themes such as passion, ambition, courage, friendship, and love.
Where to Watch Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is scheduled to be released in theaters on August 25th, 2023. It stars Aaron Paul as Jake Logan, a talented gamer who dreams of becoming a professional racer; Lily James as Mia Jones, a journalist who covers Jake’s story; Daniel Brühl as Max Keller, a former champion who mentors Jake; and Michael Fassbender as Alex Rossi, Jake’s main rival on the track.
Gran Turismo is one of the first productions to use the Sony VENICE 2 Rialto 2 extension system. It showcases the advantages and possibilities of this innovative camera technology for filmmaking. It also promises to deliver an exciting and thrilling ride for fans of racing and gaming alike.
