SYNOPSIS
Maigret reimagines the iconic detective drama with moody, period-accurate visuals and a slow-burn atmosphere steeped in tension and detail. Set in mid-century Paris, the series required carefully executed visual effects to blend historical authenticity with cinematic storytelling. Our VFX work subtly elevated key moments, from environmental enhancements to action details and compositing, all designed to remain invisible within the show’s immersive, period-accurate world.
HOW WE ACHIEVED IT
Glass Falling Element:
We created and composited a dynamic falling glass effect for a key moment, with shattering pieces reacting realistically to gravity, motion blur, and lighting. This CG element was integrated with live-action debris to enhance the impact without relying on practical breakage.
Paris Skyline Additions:
We added iconic and era-appropriate Paris skylines to several wide shots to firmly root the story in its historic setting. Using matte paintings and projection techniques, we extended rooftops and inserted signature landmarks while ensuring stylistic consistency with the show’s muted, atmospheric palette.
Clock Speed-Ups:
To support visual transitions and psychological beats, we animated clock faces speeding up in time-lapse fashion. These effects were tracked into practical clocks and blended with motion blur and lighting interaction, providing a seamless, stylised depiction of time passing under pressure.
Gun Muzzle Flashes:
For brief action moments, we added realistic gun muzzle flashes, complete with interactive light, smoke plumes, and heat distortion. These were designed to feel grounded and period-appropriate, avoiding overly modern or stylised looks.
Wet Road & Car Enhancements:
To enhance visual texture and night-time lighting interaction, we digitally made selected streets and cars appear wet. This included specular highlight treatments, reflection passes, and environmental mapping, all designed to give scenes a cinematic, noir-inspired feel.
Green Screen Replacements:
We replaced multiple green screen backgrounds with custom matte environments, including city streets, interiors, and transitional environments. Each comp was matched for depth, lighting, and atmospheric haze to ensure full integration with live-action footage.
Foulon Green Screen Integration:
A key character, Foulon, was shot separately on green screen and digitally inserted into a complex scene. We carefully matched eyelines, lighting, shadow direction, and depth of field to make the integration seamless and emotionally convincing.
