Built in the real world.

The University of Auckland has unveiled one of New Zealand’s most advanced recreation and wellbeing facilities, combining world-class sporting infrastructure with cutting-edge digital technology to create a highly connected and engaging student experience. Spanning eight levels and more than 26,000 square metres, the new Hiwa Recreation and Wellbeing Centre represents a significant investment in student health, wellbeing and community.

Most scenes in Yorgos Lanthimos’ highly stylized dark comedy Poor Things were shot on traditional sets, but key portions of the steamship journey that Bella (Emma Stone) embarks on with Duncan (Mark Ruffalo) called for virtual production on an LED volume — a first for both Lanthimos and cinematographer Robbie Ryan, BSC, ISC. (Our complete story with them here.) The team led by Simon Hughes, creative director at London VFX house Union, included visual-effects supervisor Tim Barter and virtual-production supervisor Adrian Weber.