158 HOURS: A VFX Breakdown
Pulling back the curtain on the process behind the one-take original.
Built entirely in After Effects, this sequence dissects each step — from initial build, to simulation passes, to compositing, texturing, and final render. Revealing the obsessive layering that shaped every frame.
It’s not just how it looked. It’s how it was built.
“158 HOURS: A VFX Breakdown is at the intersection of technique, time, and intention.”
Crafted entirely in After Effects, this behind-the-scenes sequence unpacks how a seamless 3D camera move was constructed.
From the foundational alpha layer to 3D builds and advanced particle systems, dynamic lighting, comp work, and final polish.
Every moment was engineered with care, rendered at 4K, and refined through 158 relentless hours of export..
A study in obsession. A document of process.
Credits & Tools
A collaboration between:
John Sawyer — Direction, Design, Edit, Motion, VFX
Justin Mayer — Sound Designer, Composer, Mixer
Music by Living Room
Featured Music:
“BRAZILIAN SUNSET”
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY LIVING ROOM
COURTESY OF COOKIE RECORDS
© 2021 COOKIE RECORDS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Software: After Effects, Premiere Pro, MAXON + Red Giant Suite, Video Copilot + Element 3D, DaVinci Resolve, Pro Tools
Format: 4K PR4444 | Stereo
