Based on the novel by Steven King, this crime drama unravels the unsolved case of "Mr Mercedes" when a stolen Mercedes plowed through and killed 16 victims standing in line at a local job fair. A retired detective named Hodges (Brendan Gleeson) is haunted by the case and is tormented by the brilliant young psychopath behind it. Hodges is contacted through his hacked computer and receives deranged video messages from the deceased. Our team concepted, designed and animated these glitch sequences, tapping into the psychotic mind that created them.
Our glitch animations were rendered and delivered to production for real-time playback on practical computers during filming. This meant that our final outputs needed to be tested against older laptop LCD screens to ensure the intended look and feel would be captured on camera. Part of our QC process was making sure the most horrific images would playback for the maximum, visceral response by the actors watching.
A Dark Room
In one of the more abhorrent messages, an infant that was smashed with her mother is animated to torment Hodges. Our team discussed the notion that the antisocial killer would be using at-home, haphazard methods to create these deranged videos. Rather than use professional imagery or cgi blood - we incorporated scans of real strawberry jam.
A Lurking Killer
The show is based on the novel trilogy by Steven King, which consists of Mr Mercedes, Finders Keepers and End Of Watch. Written and created by David E Kelley and directed by Jack Bender, it is unclear whether the series will continue or be killed. The three season run of 30 episodes can currently be watched on major streaming platforms.
Client: Audience Network
Director: Jack Bender
Executive Producers: David E Kelley, Jack Bender
Producer: Ellen Stafford
Design Director: Brandon Parvini
VFX Supervisor
VFX Artist