The director of Free Fire used the mega-popular Minecraft to pre-visualize his ’70s-throwback, shoot-em-up classic.
Top image via Wired.
Ben Wheatley is a master at working with tight schedules and budgets. But for his latest film, Free Fire, he had to get even more creative. The entire movie takes place in one location: a warehouse. With a limited budget and a stacked cast, Wheatley needed a way to plan and rehearse the intense gun fight scenes. That’s where Minecraft came in.
Using Minecraft
Instead of using expensive pre-visualization programs or hiring trained artists, Wheatley turned to Minecraft. The game allowed him to quickly build a crude version of the set and walk around inside to get a feel for the space. He shared this with his crew, giving them a clear understanding of his vision.
Image via A24.
By using Minecraft, Wheatley was able to ensure the proportions of the set were correct and that the timing and pacing of the screenplay were on point. This level of pre-visualization was crucial for a film that relied so heavily on a single location.
Image via Wired
Even big-budget films like Star Wars use existing products to plan and map out their shots. Pre-production is a vital part of the filmmaking process, regardless of budget. Wheatley’s Free Fire is proof that with creativity and resourcefulness, any vision can be realized.
What are some pre-visualization tricks you’ve used in the past? Let us know in the comments.
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