RACE (2016)

WORK DESCRIPTION:

STARNO contributed to the historical biographical drama Race, which tells the inspiring story of Jesse Owens and his legendary triumph at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The project required a high level of environmental authenticity to transport the audience back to the mid-1930s.

Our primary focus was the complex Historical Reconstitution of New York City. We were tasked with creating a sprawling, period-accurate aerial view of the city at night. This involved meticulous digital matte painting to recreate the specific urban density, lighting, and architectural silhouettes of Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs during the pre-war era.

The challenge lay in balancing the atmospheric mood of a nighttime skyline with the technical precision required for a historical piece. This intricate work was performed by Frédéric St-Arnaud, acting as a freelance Matte Painter for the renowned VFX studio Raynault FX.

STORYLINE:

Based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, Race is an enthralling film about the courage, determination, and friendship of an athlete who became a global symbol of resilience. The story follows Owens (Stephan James) as he overcomes racial discrimination at home in the United States to become the greatest track and field athlete in history.

His quest eventually thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. There, under the watchful eye of the Nazi regime, Owens faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy. By winning a record-breaking four gold medals, Owens not only makes history but also shatters the myths of racial superiority.