Spectrum FX

This shot isn’t just VFX. The roof was actually on fire.
The Juke Joint roof burn in SINNERS is a perfect example of practical and digital effects working together.
The SFX team burned the real roof on the set while rolling multiple IMAX film cameras.�More than 50 previs versions were built to choreograph the actors, camera movement, and timing with Ludwig Göransson’s score so the entire sequence could play out as a seamless oner.
Then the VFX team expanded the moment—layering digital fire simulations, sparks, smoke, and embers to push the scale while keeping the realism of the practical burn.
This kind of scene only works when SFX, VFX, Production Design, Costume, and Sound are all locked in together.
Now nominated for 16 Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects for�Michael Ralla, Espen Nordahl, Guido Wolter, and Donnie Dean.
A reminder: the best visual effects start with something real.