Whale Shark Jack
Directed by Co-directed by Miranda and Khrob Edmonds
Synopsis
Set in West Australia’s Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef, this environmentally conscious feature weaves the complexities of family, friendship, and the natural world as a young girl comes to terms with the loss of her father by embarking on a risky mission to save her best friend, a whale shark named Jack.
What we did
Stage23 delivered a complex blend of CG creatures, storm-driven ocean environments and seamless visual effects. At the centre of Stage23's work were two fully realised CG characters: the eight metre adult whale shark Big Jack, and Juvenile Jack, a juvenile whose design presented an exceptional creative and scientific challenge. The rendering of the Juvenile Jack demanded a careful balance of research, anatomical accuracy and cinematic expression as these creatures have rarely been filmed.
Particular attention was paid to close up creature anatomy, including the shark eye, where the CG asset needed to hold up under intimate scrutiny, while integrating seamlessly with live-action footage shot alongside real whale sharks at Ningaloo. Beyond creature work, Stage23 delivered extensive environment and effects sequences, creating storm-driven ocean systems and wild weather effects.