“How VFX Wizards Made ‘Paddington in Peru’ Look Real—Without Actually Filming in Peru!”
The world’s most charming, marmalade-loving bear is back! Paddington in Peru marks the third cinematic adventure for the iconic character, and while he may be a familiar face, the challenges of bringing him to life were brand new. Framestore, the award-winning VFX studio behind Paddington’s previous outings, had to push its creative and technical boundaries to seamlessly integrate the cuddly protagonist into an entirely fresh setting.
A New Adventure, A New Challenge
The first two Paddington films immersed audiences in a whimsical version of London, with Framestore mastering the bear’s fur, movement, and emotional expressions. This time, however, Paddington embarks on a journey to Peru—a location that presented an entirely new set of hurdles for the VFX team. Surprisingly, much of the film wasn’t actually shot in Peru. As Framestore’s visual effects supervisor Alexis Wajsbrot explains, the decision to film principal photography at Sky Studios Elstree and in UK-based locations was driven by logistical challenges.
“Some of the locations we wanted to go to were so remote that only one person could access them after hours of boat and train rides,” Wajsbrot revealed. “So we shot the main photography in the UK and then captured plate footage in Colombia and Peru.”
This meant actors were filmed on blue-screen stages, with Peru’s lush landscapes added in post-production. But how do you make a London-based shoot look like the heart of South America? With a meticulous blend of practical effects, digital wizardry, and cutting-edge filmmaking techniques.
Making Peru Come to Life (Without Being There)
To ensure a seamless visual experience, extensive location scouting was undertaken. Director Dougal Wilson and production designer Andy Kelly scoured Peru and Colombia for breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, Framestore’s Pre-Production Services (FPS) created detailed previs and techvis to plan every shot to perfection.
One of the most complex sequences involved Paddington and the Brown family navigating a treacherous Peruvian river. The actors performed on a motion-based boat mock-up against a bluescreen, while a camera array in Colombia captured real-world jungle footage. The result? A thrilling white-water ride that looks as though it was filmed in the wild, but was actually the product of innovative visual effects.
The Magic of Motion Control (And a Soggy Drone Mishap)
One of the film’s most impressive technical feats involved a drone-shot beach scene. A DJI drone filmed background plates in Colombia, while another DJI drone replicated the same movement in a UK backlot, ensuring perfect synchronization. But even the best-laid plans can take an unexpected turn.
“For the real shoot, they pressed ‘action’ and the drone went down instead of up—straight into the water!” Wajsbrot laughed. “The drone was completely destroyed, but we got a new one and nailed the shot in the end.”
Motion control was also key to scenes featuring Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot and his ghostly ancestors—all played by Banderas himself. Some shots used traditional motion control rigs, while others relied on stabilization techniques in post-production. The most challenging scenes involved Cabot interacting closely with multiple versions of himself, requiring meticulous face replacements, morphing, and precise eyeline adjustments.
Paddington’s Signature Look – Fur, Fluff, and Expression
Of course, the heart of Paddington in Peru remains its beloved protagonist. Framestore drew on years of expertise in character animation to maintain Paddington’s expressive charm. Advances in fur simulation and rendering allowed for even greater realism, ensuring that every raindrop, gust of wind, and snuggle-worthy moment felt utterly lifelike.
Director Dougal Wilson also had a unique approach to previsualization. He created what he called a “crap-o-matic” version of the film using an iPhone, where crew members hilariously stepped in for different characters. While this version will likely never see the light of day, it helped the team fine-tune the film’s storytelling and shot composition before adding Paddington’s digital magic.
A Stunning Blend of Practical and Digital Magic
Whether it was filming in the UK while making it look like Peru, coordinating complex drone motion control shots, or ensuring Paddington remained as lovable as ever, Framestore’s work on Paddington in Peru showcases the ever-evolving world of visual effects. Through a mix of practical ingenuity, technical expertise, and a whole lot of digital marmalade magic, they’ve ensured that Paddington’s latest adventure feels as heartwarming and visually stunning as ever.
So, while Paddington may have left London for Peru, one thing remains the same—his adventures (and Framestore’s dazzling VFX) continue to bring joy to audiences around the world.
