Entity FX Adds Visual Effects for "I Am Number Four"

Entity FX, of Santa Monica and Vancouver, is excited to see its work in the new sci-fi thriller "I Am Number Four", a DreamWorks production directed by DJ Caruso and produced by Michael Bay.

The film follows a teenage boy, one of nine youngsters who, along with their mentors, are the last survivors of their home planet, and are now hiding on Earth. While trying to blend in at the local high school, he struggles to achieve control of his emerging superpowers before being found by the Mogadorians - alien assassins sent to track and kill each of the nine, in numerical order. If Number Three dies, John is in mortal danger: he is Number Four. For the battles that follow, Entity FX provided a range of key visual effects. Entity FX developed the effect that gives one fighter superspeed and teleporting abilities - the ability to disappear into pulsating energy and re-appear elsewhere. Another effect had to be developed for the death of a Mog. Aliens who are killed dematerialize with a signature "ashing" effect: they turn grey, transform into stone-like figures and break into chunks that explode into a swirl of dust. The effect uses 3D characters together with both particle and fluid simulations. Entity FX developed the look and, using the company's in-house software, customized sequences - such as having good guys dematerialize similarly but more slowly and lyrically - for individual shots.

In its scope of work for the movie, Entity FX also provided CG animated bodies and body parts, energy effects, digital blood, glowing swords, exploding crystals, windshields, face replacements, split screens, green screen compositing, rig removal, set cleanup, makeup enhancements and a symbolic night sky.

In other recent work, Entity FX created visual effects in stereoscopic 3D for the feature film Yogi Bear, concentrating on the lake fireworks scene. The company also provides visual effects for a number of current television series, including all the visual effects for The Vampire Diaries, Smallville and Hellcats.