Jan 27, 2009 02:08 PM
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Tue Feb 9
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Artist Daniel LuVisi posted tryout concept art for the movie adaptation of the zombie saga World War Z. It's a veritable Where's Waldo of splattered zombie carnage, mutilated New Yorkers, and other hidden gems.
This gorgeously gory work created by the incredibly gifted concept artist and production designer LuVisi, was put together as a try-out to secure his role in Marc Forester's World War Z. Titled "The Battle Of Yonkers," the piece showcases how seriously LuVisi is taking his work. There are millions of details, from the camera crew to the red tape wrapped around one soldier's piece (click to enlarge in the gallery).
According to the artist:
This is the image I did, to get on the film World War Z with Marc Forster, director of Quantum of Solace. Can't say whats going on or what the outcome is right now, but it's not in the negative zone :)
This was one of the most difficult images I've ever done. Incredibly challenging to the point where I wanted to quit. But through thick and thin I forced myself to complete it.
Because we're now officially in love with Dan LuVisis art, we've also rounded up a few of his other stellar pieces. And to those of you worried that World War Z is too intricate to be truncated into a mere feature, if they make the movie as compelling as this piece of art (and should LuVisi truly be connected to the film) then they're winning me over.
UPDATE: We just got the chance to hear from Dan LuVisis himself and he let us in on a few arty details going on inside this masterpiece, sounds like our new favorite artist is going to be busy, busy. While he couldn't officially confirm he's working on the movie, all signs point to yes. And thank the gods, because it looks and sounds like he's got the goods to help make this picture a success.
What is your medium?
I work in Photoshop CS4, with a WACOM Cintiq tablet. And my right hand of doom.
How long have you been a concept artist?
Since I was 3 :) Professionally, since I got out of high school at 18. Got hired by a German company, Acony Games..then ever since then, just been busting my ass off.
What movies have you worked on?
Not as many as I want to.. Two foreign films, over in Japan. FOX's They Came From Upstairs, and a new one for Universal which I can't disclose yet. I feel very blessed for what I've done so far, but I don't feel like I'm there yet. When I'm working with geniuses such as Richard Taylor, WETA, ILM, Ryan Church, Dylan Cole and the other 50 of my inspirations...then I'll know I've done something right.
What can you tell us about this piece "The Battle Of Yonkers"?
What can't I tell of it? Let's start with the book, my girlfriend's sister was reading World War Z one day, and I asked what it was. She told me, sounded cool, but I never put too much interest into it. Few months passed, read it...and just instantly fell in love with it. Max Brook's take on Yonkers literally blew my mind. I'm a huge action fan and military nut (don't support the wars, but love technology and design) and I just creamed when I read those pages. Instantly, I saw the whole battle in my head. Then my manager told me he had a connection with Forster and we could potentially get some work in front of him.
Right there my eyes shot open and I knew I had to do it. So I sketched out my idea and started working. Two hours into it, I knew I was in deep waters and felt as if I couldnt finish it. Way too many characters (Sorry for the ones who expected me to draw every single marine!) and just so much chaos, it just intimidated me. Thankfully for two awesome friends, a very supporting girlfriend, a German manager and my cat's undying company I just worked my heart off. And hopefully it shows. As for whats going on with the movie and myself? I've heard back recently, but I can't disclose any information at this time as I feel it is not my place. Yet. :)
What are the little bits and pieces that people might miss (there's so much amazing work going on inside the piece)?
The camera man is my friend Reid Southen, he's a great young artist that you can check out at www.rahll.deviantart.com Much potetional.
I wrote WAINO, the last name of the character who explains the battle on the main MARINE's helmet. (I know, he's in a humvee half the time)
If you look closely, you'll see a little homage to Shaun of the Dead's zombies.
Quantum of Solace is advertised on the billboard in the right corner.
A lot of the marines are left handed. I don't know why I do this, I'm a right handed artist..but it's some weird habit.
Thats about it, there's other things..but I'd rather you guys look for them!
How long did it take you to make it?
A week, straight. Literally, every day from about 9am till 3 am. Just working and eating. Huge picture-size wise. About 6500x4500 pixels.
Are you currently working for the movie World War Z at all and did that art help you get in the door?
We'll see. :)
How has it been going so far? Where are they in production?
See Above.
Send an email to Meredith, the author of this post, at meredith@io9.com.
Original material is licensed under a Creative Commons License permitting non-commercial sharing with attribution.
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