Postmodern wins the AFI Best Visual Effects Award for sci-fi vampire flick Daybreakers

Postmodern VFX Supervisor James Rogers, along with Randy Vellacott, Peter Spierig, Michael Spierig and Rangi Sutton won the Best Visual Effects Award for Daybreakers at the 2010 Australian Film Institute Awards in Melbourne, held last Friday and Saturday night. The sci-fi vampire flick picked up the nod despite facing stiff competition from the industry’s finest.

Postmodern created over 300 shots for the film including pivotal scenes such as the expansive Blood Farm, car chases, exploding heads, fully 3D mutant vampires, digital armies, burning Ethan Hawke, and the slow decapitation of Sam Neill.

“It is really nice to be recognised by the industry for feature film work and it is a real thrill to actually get the gong for a project which we did with a great group of people. As a company, I think it reflects that Postmodern is a rapidly evolving beast, and that we have reached a level of maturity and confidence to create hundreds of visual effects shots on a short timeline beyond expectations”, said Rogers.

This year’s awards have been hailed for having a spirit of fresh optimism as well seeing a nominated field packed with some of the most diverse genres of Australian films ever.

Says Rogers: “When it comes down to it, prizes like these are about the team, and it really boosts our confidence for the new year. We’ll be moving to our brand-new dedicated VFX facility in January, and I can’t help but feel this will intensify our focus and impact on both Australian films and commercials.”

Daybreakers premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released in the United Kingdom on 6 January 2010 and in North America on 8 January 2010. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill and Claudia Karvan, and was produced entirely in Australia.

Check out some shots from the film by the award winning team on the Postmodern reel.