Harry Lindley: VFX with Blender in a Rock Band Music Video

In the ever-evolving world of visual storytelling, Harry Lindley stands out as a film director who consistently pushes boundaries. Founder of Wanderland Films, Lindley has gained acclaim for seamlessly blending dynamic live-action cinematography with cutting-edge CGI. His expertise in Blender, a cornerstone of professional 3D creation for filmmakers, has positioned him as a leading figure in the VFX industry. A prime example of his groundbreaking work is the music video for Bring Me The Horizon’s “Top 10 Statues That Cried Blood”, a visual masterpiece that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Blender to the Spotlight, the music video “Top 10 Statues That Cried Blood”

Blender has been a cornerstone of Lindley’s VFX arsenal, allowing him to craft stunning visuals with unmatched efficiency. In “Top 10 Statues That Cried Blood,” Blender was instrumental in bringing a surreal and futuristic aesthetic to life. The video’s standout sequence—a pulsating cyborg rave—showcases Lindley’s ability to leverage Blender’s capabilities for rigging, animation, and physics simulations. The result is a highly immersive experience that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

The production featured intricate VFX, including hyper-realistic prosthetics, digital doubles, and choreographed cyborg dancers. Blender’s open architecture and advanced tools enabled Lindley to create detailed models and fluid animations that seamlessly integrated with live-action footage. This meticulous approach highlights Blender’s potential as a professional-grade tool for large-scale productions.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Vision

The creation of “Top 10 Statues That Cried Blood” was a collaborative effort involving a talented crew. With Terrence Wilkins as Director of Photography and Jay Gomez handling Steadicam operations, the production achieved cinematic brilliance. The video was produced by Dan Massie of Electric Light Studios, with Wanderland Films spearheading the VFX.

Key contributors included:

Prosthetics and Makeup: The team—featuring @candy_puxe and @monsterfxmakeup—combined practical effects with digital enhancements created in Blender.
Styling and Wardrobe: Cyberpunk-inspired outfits from @fieldofponies and @cyberdog contributed to the video’s futuristic vibe.
Choreography: Shanise Liang choreographed dynamic dance sequences, further amplified by Blender’s motion tracking and animation tools.

The Impact of Open-Source Tools on Professional Workflows

Lindley’s choice to use Blender—an open-source platform—underscores its growing influence in professional filmmaking. By integrating Blender into his workflow, Lindley not only achieves cost efficiency but also demonstrates the software’s versatility and power. From procedural animation to physics simulations, Blender’s robust features enable filmmakers to push creative boundaries without the constraints of expensive proprietary software.

Since its release, the video for “Top 10 Statues That Cried Blood” has amassed nearly 8 million views, cementing its status as a cultural and visual phenomenon. Fans and industry professionals alike have praised the video’s innovative visuals, many of which are directly attributable to Blender’s capabilities.

Lindley’s work serves as an inspiring example of how open-source tools can redefine the possibilities in filmmaking. His mastery of Blender’s tools and his ability to integrate them into high-profile projects make him a trailblazer in the VFX world.

Conclusion

Harry Lindley’s work on “Top 10 Statues That Cried Blood” is a testament to the transformative power of Blender in professional filmmaking. By combining his technical expertise with a bold creative vision, Lindley has set a new standard for what can be achieved with open-source tools. For aspiring filmmakers and seasoned professionals alike, his journey offers a compelling blueprint for success in the ever-evolving landscape of visual storytelling.

To learn more about Harry Lindley and his work, visit Wanderland Films or explore the video on Bring Me The Horizon’s official YouTube channel.