12 august 2024 : Erik Winquist provided insights in an exclusive interview regarding the advancement of visual effects technology within the Planet of the Apes franchise, spanning from Rise to Kingdom. The theme of evolution has been central to the narrative of the Planet of the Apes series. In this discussion, Winquist, the VFX supervisor for the franchise, elaborates on the evolution of the film series, the technological advancements in visual effects that are essential to its success, the portrayal of apes on screen, and the evolving relationship between cinema and the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence.
In addition to his work on the Planet of the Apes series, Winquist has contributed to Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005) and Brad Peyton’s Rampage (2018). He reflects on the allure of apes in our collective consciousness. Their close genetic relationship to humans is a significant factor; they allow for storytelling that resonates on a deeply human level without the presence of actual humans. The genetic similarity of just 2% fosters a profound connection, particularly evident when one observes an orangutan or chimpanzee in a zoo, where the bond is palpable and difficult to articulate.
Having been involved with the franchise since its initial reboot, Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Winquist discusses the evolution of his creative process across the four films. He notes the remarkable advancements in technology that have occurred throughout the series. Upon revisiting Rise of the Planet of the Apes, he acknowledges that while it once appeared groundbreaking, it now seems somewhat outdated. The progress in rendering and animation technologies has resulted in a more realistic, engaging, and believable visual experience.
The latest installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. Winquist describes the challenges he faced in crafting its aesthetic, noting a departure from the previous soft lighting and the familiar Canadian rainforest-San Francisco setting.