2012 Cites Mayan Calendar Cataclysm - SWAY Studio Creates Upheaval With Drive-A-Tron™ Software

If the Mayan calendar is to be believed, the end of days is just around the corner, on December 21, 2012. Of course, the end of the world is just the beginning of “2012,” the new apocalyptic sci-fi thriller from Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow). The film follows an academic researcher (John Cusack) who tries to prevent these catastrophic prophecies from becoming a reality. Among the many startling visual effects in Emmerich's film is an epic sequence in which a limousine races to stay one crack ahead of a crumbling Los Angeles.

SWAY Studio used its proprietary Drive-A-Tron™ technology to create the sequence. Used in campaigns for Lexus Hybrid, BMW, Mini, and countless others, the Drive-A-Tron™ is a virtual stunt driving machine that simulates the real physics of an automobile. It creates scenes in real-time, with the artist literally in the driver's seat.
In this behind-the-scenes video, Director of New Business Addie Hall walks viewers through the studio's pre-visualization process for "2012." She also offers insight into why SWAY Studio was chosen for this project, and describes the features that make Drive-A-Tron™ a game changer in the world of visual effects.

VFX: SWAY Studio Creative Director: Mark Glaser VFX artist: Robert Glazer Producer: Aaron Abt Artist: Cesar Chavez General Manager: Stephanie Heinson