DeadCow VFX Brings Visual Magic to Alex Ranarivelo’s “Shattered Ice”

DeadCow VFX is proud to announce our role in creating the visual effects for the highly anticipated hockey drama Shattered Ice, directed by Alex Ranarivelo and produced by Jake Miskin. This powerful film follows a New England teenage hockey player navigating the emotional challenges of life after his best friend, the school's star player, tragically dies by suicide.

Our team at DeadCow VFX was thrilled to contribute to this poignant and visually stunning story by enhancing its emotional depth and immersive hockey sequences with cutting-edge visual effects.

Director Alex Ranarivelo and Visual Effects Supervisor Connor Thomas have collaborated on numerous projects in the past, most notably Warner Bros. Max holiday favorite A Christmas Mystery and the thrilling Curse of the Necklace, which Alex produced. This history of successful collaborations ensured a seamless workflow and a shared creative vision that elevated the visual storytelling of Shattered Ice.

One of the major challenges in Shattered Ice was amplifying the intense hockey action on screen. Our team added realistic CG pucks and dynamic scoreboards to the gameplay, ensuring the high-octane matches felt authentic and visually compelling. These elements seamlessly integrated into the scenes, helping audiences connect with the exhilarating highs and heartbreaking lows of the sport.

In a pivotal flashback sequence, we utilized advanced de-aging techniques to allow a 30-year-old actress to portray her teenage self convincingly. By avoiding the need to cast another actress, the filmmakers maintained continuity and deepened the emotional resonance of the character's journey. This groundbreaking work highlights our commitment to delivering innovative and practical solutions to storytelling challenges.

Set against the chilly backdrop of a New England winter, Shattered Ice required extensive environmental visual effects to bring the frosty landscapes to life. Our team employed a newly developed matte painting pipeline to add snow-covered ground and realistic falling snow to various shots. Despite a tight production timeline, these enhancements added an atmospheric authenticity.

Working closely with Alex Ranarivelo and Jake Miskin, we were able to deliver high-quality visual effects that serve the narrative without overshadowing the emotional heart of the story. Our collaborative efforts ensure that Shattered Ice looks as good as it feels, capturing both the intensity of hockey and the nuanced exploration of grief and resilience.

We are incredibly proud of our contributions to this impactful film and are excited for audiences to experience its premiere at the Sedona Film Festival.

About DeadCow VFX

DeadCow VFX is a leading visual effects studio dedicated to crafting visually stunning and emotionally impactful stories. With a passion for innovation and collaboration, we bring filmmakers' visions to life through cutting-edge technology and creative expertise.