Secrets of Captain America: Brave New World: How Production Design and VFX Created a Stunning Cinematic Experience!
When it comes to blockbuster filmmaking, the marriage of production design and visual effects (VFX) is like a perfectly choreographed dance—both elements must work in sync to create immersive, believable worlds. And in Captain America: Brave New World, this collaboration was on full display, thanks to the vision of production designer Ramsey Avery.
Avery, known for his meticulous approach to design, worked closely with director Julius Onah to bring a ‘70s political thriller vibe to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The challenge? Blending a realistic world with superhero spectacle while keeping the story grounded. This meant designing practical sets that seamlessly integrated with VFX, ensuring a cohesive and visually striking cinematic experience.
The Aesthetic Vision: A Political Thriller in the MCU
The MCU is known for its larger-than-life action and high-flying superheroes, but Brave New World had a unique challenge—its protagonist, Sam Wilson, isn’t a super soldier. His struggle to take on the mantle of Captain America needed a backdrop that felt real, tense, and steeped in political intrigue.
To achieve this, Onah and Avery drew inspiration from classic ‘70s thrillers like The Parallax View and Day of the Jackal. These films had a distinctive style: sharp cinematography, carefully selected locations, and meticulous production design that framed characters within their environments in meaningful ways. This attention to visual storytelling was key in making Brave New World feel both epic and intimate.
Bringing the White House to Life—Sort Of
One standout example of the fusion between production design and VFX was the recreation of the White House’s Rose Garden. Shooting at the actual location was out of the question, so the team had to build a set that felt as authentic as possible.
The process began with extensive research—digging through press conference photos, old archives, and even referencing Avery’s previous work on White House Down. After deciding to replicate the garden at full scale, the art department created a digital model. This allowed them to determine what should be practically built and what elements could be enhanced with VFX. A physical foamcore model helped the filmmakers block shots and plan lighting, ensuring every frame captured the intended atmosphere.
The Delicate Balance: Practical Effects vs. VFX
In modern filmmaking, VFX often takes center stage, but Avery and his team were keen on keeping things as real as possible. “We don’t want to make it visual effects unless we have to,” he explained.
This philosophy extended to destruction sequences—while VFX handled large-scale devastation, the production design team had to prepare for every phase of the action. For example, if a fight scene involved a collapsing wall, the team had to design the ‘before’ version, rig practical effects for the destruction, and then dress the set with debris for the ‘after’ shot. This meticulous planning allowed seamless transitions between practical and digital effects, making the destruction feel tangible.
The Role of Previsualization (Previs) in Set Design
Previs—a digital rough draft of action sequences—is often associated with VFX, but Avery emphasized its importance in production design. Having the art department involved early ensured that the sets being designed could actually support the planned action.
For example, if the script called for a character to rip a column out of a building, the team needed to determine:
- Could this be done practically?
- Would the set need structural reinforcements?
- How much would need to be replaced with CGI?
By working alongside previs artists, the production team ensured that every major sequence was both feasible and visually dynamic.
Dressing Sets for the Before and Aftermath
Another crucial aspect of the design process was planning how environments would evolve throughout the film. If an explosion took place, the art department needed to prepare a pristine version of the set, a mid-destruction version, and a fully wrecked aftermath. Sometimes, shooting out of order was necessary—filming the destroyed set first and then cleaning it up for earlier sequences.
This level of detail ensured continuity and allowed the filmmakers to maximize practical effects while strategically integrating VFX where needed.
Conclusion: A Seamless Blend of Art and Technology
The collaboration between production design and VFX is the secret ingredient behind Captain America: Brave New World’s immersive world-building. Ramsey Avery’s approach—melding classic thriller aesthetics with cutting-edge digital effects—resulted in a film that feels both authentic and visually stunning.
Ultimately, Brave New World proves that when production design and VFX work in harmony, the result is nothing short of cinematic magic.
