The Art of VFX in the Glass Bridge Sequence:
The Glass Bridge sequence in "Squid Game: The Challenge" season 1 was one of the most intense moments in the series, and as the VFX producer, I had the privilege of bringing this nail-biting concept to life. Achieving the desired tension while ensuring the safety of the participants required a seamless blend of practical effects and digital wizardry. Here’s a breakdown of how we used VFX to make the impossible possible.
Players celebrate making it one more tile down
The Challenge: Balancing Realism and Safety
The Glass Bridge concept demanded a visual spectacle where contestants faced the terrifying task of choosing between tempered and regular glass panes, with every wrong step leading to a dramatic fall. Logistically, creating this effect entirely in-camera was both impractical and unsafe for the participants. This is where VFX became indispensable.
Stunt Takeover and Head Replacement
One of the key challenges was simulating the falls without putting the players in actual danger. We achieved this through a meticulous process of stunt takeovers and head replacements:
Stunt Performers and Trapdoors: Professional stunt performers were filmed on a controlled set. The performers fell through trapdoors (representing the glass panels) onto an airbag approximately 3 metres below. This approach ensured both safety and authenticity in the performers' reactions.
Digital Head Replacement: To maintain the illusion of the actual contestants taking the fall, we used a combination of facial scans and reference footage. Advanced tracking tools allowed us to seamlessly replace the stunt performers' heads with those of the real contestants, ensuring the emotional connection wasn’t lost.
Trapdoor Mechanism Removal: The visual aspects of the trapdoor mechanism were removed in post-production. This involved careful compositing to ensure that the transition from solid glass to a sudden fall appeared seamless to the audience.
Building the Bridge in VFX
VFX Takeover hiding the mechanical workings and extending the stunt drop
The bridge itself was a hybrid of practical and digital elements. While sections of the bridge were physically constructed to give contestants a tangible environment to interact with, the dangerous aspects — such as falls and trapdoor activation — were enhanced or entirely created in post-production.
Our VFX team used advanced software to:
Extend the height of the bridge to give it that vertigo-inducing drop.
Add subtle environmental elements like wind and atmospheric haze, amplifying the tension.
Ensure flawless integration of practical and digital components, so the audience never questioned the illusion.
Why VFX Made All the Difference
By leaning into VFX, we were able to create a scene that felt authentic and terrifying without compromising safety. The combination of practical effects, digital artistry, and careful planning ensured that viewers remained on the edge of their seats, fully immersed in the story.
The Glass Bridge sequence is a testament to how VFX can elevate storytelling by making the impossible believable. It was a privilege to work on this project, and I’m proud of how the final result came together to thrill audiences worldwide.
If you’re interested in more insights into how VFX can bring ambitious concepts to life, stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes breakdowns!
