Milk contribute 46 shots of complex, detailed, and creative visual effects for the fourth season of the Netflix fantasy series
Milk Visual Effects’ contribution to The Witcher Season 4 included complex, choreographed battles between Witchers and Mages, featuring magic, blood, CG swords, and action-packed visual storytelling.
Working closely with Production VFX Supervisors Sara Bennett (VFX and Post) and Richard Reed (on-set supervision) and Production VFX Producer David Stephens, Milk VFX Supervisor David Sadler-Coppard and VFX Producer Jasmine Ford-Elgood led a team of artists to create 46 shots for the series.
Milk’s primary focus was on two epic combat scenes for Episode 6, involving a blend of CG magic attacks, blood and gore FX, and digital swords. Artist’s crafted CG sword extensions, including sequences with flying magical blades, a particularly exciting and creative challenge for the team.
“We were given scans and references of two distinct hero swords belonging to characters Lambert and Vesemir. On Set, the stunts were shot with dummy sword handles, then Milk’s Assets team created CG blades. We also created clean and bloody texture variations to use as needed”.
David Sadler-Coppard, VFX Supervisor
One of the most technically intricate shots in the sequence involved a continuous, extended take with multiple choreographed magical attacks, CG blood and sword and dagger blade extensions.
On set, actors performed choreographed hand movements to simulate magical combat. Milk’s VFX team later elevated these performances by adding intricate magical effects that responded to each gesture, transforming simple movements into dynamic and visually striking magical attacks.
Beyond the action sequences, Milk’s artists contributed to a wide variety of VFX shots throughout the series. This included environment extensions, creature work and compositing and lighting that helped build out the atmosphere of The Witcher’s world and support the narrative.
See Milk’s breakdown reel for The Witcher Season 4 here:
