USHIMA-NEXT

In an alternate reality, created and managed by computers and very similar to the present world, everyone is happy... except for four individuals who decide to change their lives and be free.

Ushima-Next raises a critical reflection on hyper-consumerist and hyper-informed society. It follows in the footsteps of the Panic Cinema movement that was created by Fernando Arrabal, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Roland Topor in the 1970s. According to Arrabal, it is "the first post-panic genre film."

VFX & POST-PRODUCTION

My primary role in the film involved extensive Visual Effects (VFX) work, executed predominantly using Adobe After Effects. Since many scenes were shot against green screens, a significant portion of my workflow involved keying out backgrounds and replacing them with animated digital environments. When characters entered the simulation or digital world, I designed and integrated complex user interfaces and particle systems. For the real-world scenes, the dystopian technology was represented through futuristic holographic panels, intricate luminous banners, and high-tech security locks superimposed directly onto the footage. Ultimately, the film’s final output was converted to high-contrast black and white, which meant all visual effects had to be carefully balanced in luminance to seamlessly blend into the stylized monochrome aesthetic.

TRAILERS & MAIN TITLES

In addition to the core VFX work, I was tasked with editing the promotional trailers under the direct supervision of the director. I also designed and animated the opening and closing credit sequences. For the main titles, I utilized the renowned Trapcode Particular particle system to generate a highly distorted, aggressively digital aesthetic. The intention was to evoke a gritty, cyberpunk atmosphere reminiscent of the iconic music videos for Nine Inch Nails, perfectly matching the film's post-panic, dystopian tone.

WORK / DETAILS

The feature film Ushima-Next was created in 2009 by the actor and director Joan Frank Charansonnet. It has the support and collaboration of Fernando Arrabal. The film was co-directed by Joan Frank Charansonnet and Jesús Manuel Montané. The screenplay is co-authored by Charansonnet and Israel Gutierrez, and it is a co-production of Set d’Acció (Roger Cortal and Yago Isasi) and Grupo Estudio. Among the more than 40 actors who collaborated in Ushima-Next, notable actors include Jordi Sibón, Carolina Rodés, Eva Perea, and Dani Amor, who co-star in the film. The premiere took place on October 15, 2011, at 3:30 PM, in the Noves Visions - Especials category of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.