Creating Award Winning Visual Effects for the Fortnite Soundwave Series by Epic Games

Creating a twenty-minute virtual concert for Epic Games Fortnite Soundwave series posed a daunting task for White Rhino VFX. Using Unreal Engine, White Rhino VFX developed six virtual environments for Fortnite users to experience worldwide. The end result won the team a Gold Telly and Gold Addy Award for creativity, innovation, and inclusivity.

BRIEF

In 2017, Epic Games launched one of the most revolutionary games known for its Battle Royale style of gameplay called Fortnite. With over 80 million active users, Fortnite quickly became a hot commodity for gamers worldwide. With the new SoundWave Series, users can now attend virtual concerts with some of the world's most prominent artists while completing quests in a specially curated interactive environment. 

Brought on by Director Kevin Garcia and Editor Sam Shapiro, White Rhino VFX was tasked with developing six different atmospheres for every song played in a 20-minute concert for the Fortnite metaverse. 

Starting with the creative process, White Rhino VFX collaborated with Elektra Records and Epic Games to work on environmental concepts for the new Soundwave Series featuring Australian Artists, Tones, and I. With a twenty-minute gap to fill, film production became the priority. Overseen by VFX Supervisor Daniel Saldivar of White Rhino VFX in Los Angeles, California, Daniel worked closely with the artist and crew members to ensure filming for the concert met the technical standards needed for the post-production work.  

Once completed, White Rhino VFX used 3D animation and CGI techniques in Unreal Engine to tackle the six atmospheres ranging from moody forests, trippy houses, floating islands, and Australian outbacks to flying locomotives in the sky. This newly emerging technology allowed White Rhino VFX to create these environments at a rapid pace and also allowed for changes in real time.

Three months and 186 shots later, the Tones and I Soundwave Series was released. In recognition of the visual effects, White Rhino VFX was awarded a Gold Addy and A Gold Telly for creative excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. White Rhino VFX is proud of the work delivered and strives to make exceptional visual effects for the future.

Watch Gameplay Footage from The Fortnite Soundwave Series by Epic Games Featuring The Tones and I.