Moonraker VFX has teamed up with Netflix and Wild Space Productions to bring the invisible forces of ocean currents to life in the docuseries Our Oceans, narrated by none other than Barack Obama. This visually stunning series dives into the science behind our interconnected oceans, revealing how they shape life across the planet.
Oceans, with Personality
Each episode highlights a different ocean’s unique quirks, from its currents to its role in Earth’s ecosystem. Moonraker went all-in to give each ocean a vibe of its own, crafting individualized simulations using NASA’s data and collaborating with oceanographers. “It’s like making the ocean itself a character,” explained Olly Hagar, VFX Supervisor at Moonraker.
The team’s challenge? Blending hard science with jaw-dropping visuals. By 2022, they were knee-deep in experiments to showcase global currents as a harmonious dance of temperature shifts and flowing waters.
Drone Vibes, But Make It Global
Want to ride the currents? The Moonraker team designed dynamic, rollercoaster-like camera rigs in 3D to zoom viewers across the planet’s surface. Think racing drone meets nature doc, giving every oceanic swirl a front-row seat.
A Global Earth Glow-Up
At the heart of the visuals lies Moonraker’s super-customizable Earth asset, a digital globe they’ve fine-tuned over years. By mapping Houdini’s current simulations onto precise geographic spots, they gave viewers an ultra-realistic peek into how oceans interact with Earth’s landmasses.
“Title Wave” That Sets the Tone
Moonraker flexed their title sequence expertise, creating an Earth “unwrapping” effect to keep oceans front and center while landmasses framed them. It’s a visually poetic touch for a series all about marine connectivity.
From Pixels to Impact
After 1.5 years of hard work, Moonraker’s visuals are set to leave a lasting impression. Or as Hagar puts it: “A year and a half’s worth of work on screen is no drop in the ocean.”
Netflix’s Our Oceans isn’t just a show—it’s a love letter to Earth’s blue heart. And Moonraker has delivered visuals that make you want to dive right in.
