Our first show of the fifth season for "Xena" was quite a challenge - over 270 visual effects shots for a single hour of television, a new television record (even more than any previous episode of "Star Trek" or "The X-Files"). We were tasked to produce all of these shots in a five week period, while preparing for other "Xena" and "Hercules" shows.

Under the supervision of VFX Supervisor Doug Beswick, veteran of such visual effects classics as THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, TERMINATOR and EVIL DEAD II, the Flat Earth team embarked on the enormous task. I handled dozens of shots for the single episode, including several complicated, multi-layered composites depicting the expansive, eerie nether-world between heaven and hell. Maintaining a consistent visual style between the 270 shots was the challenge for "Xena"'s Renaissance vfx supervisor, Harrison Ellenshaw.

click here for a quicktime movie of this shot

With 2D Supervisor Mark Tamny, the 2D composite team came up with several methods to create realistic clouds, rock formations, even character animation in the 2D world. For many shots, actors with costume-fitted wings appear to be flying through the air, suspended on wires against a bluescreen. In some cases, I painted out the real-life wings on the actor, and created new, more dynamic 2D animation to enhance the wings, giving them a full flap cycle.

Early in the show, Xena must walk through the 'fire of purification,' and emerges from a cave completely engulfed in flames. The five-shot sequence was filmed with actress Lucy Lawless without any fire at all. Using stock elements and specially photographed fire elements, I composited layers of fire, heat distortion and interactive light onto Xena's body, making her appear as though she is surrounded by fire.

Later episodes of "Xena" include even more incredible imagery, including an extensive swordfight between battling skeletons, vast, expansive matte paintings, and much, much more.