One of the magical features of The Neverending Story television series is the story's natural flow between the real world and the imaginary land of Fantasia. Another remarkable aspect of the series is how computer generated special effects (CGI) are created and blended seamlessly into live action scenes.

That flawless blending is the product of dedicated teamwork, intricate planning and intensive labour behind the cameras and in front of computer stations. "It's enormous work but it's a wonderful creative challenge," says Mario Rachiele, President and Executive Producer of Big Bang FX/Animation (BBFXA), the Montreal-based studio which is producing the digital special effects for The Neverending Story."Everyone who works on it loves the story. A classic fantasy like this one appeals to adults as much as children."

The objective of all the CGI creators working on The Neverending Story is to achieve magic realism and subtlety as opposed to eye-popping, in-your-face special effects. Benoit Melancon, 3D animator at Big Bang explains: "Audiences should not be able to pick out the 3D animation and special effects right away. We want it to be really difficult for them to tell where the 3D animation begins and the film set ends. For us, that's achievement." Audiences today are used to multi-million dollar special effects created for high-budget features. They are, therefore, very demanding - and critical of what is offered.

"Our constant challenge is satisfying an audience's high expectations," says Rachiele. "For high-quality CGI, the BBFXA keys to success are: careful planning, on-set supervision and inspired creative artistry.
Planning begins with pencil and paper - even in this ultra-high-tech studio humming with powerful technology.

Before 3D animation could begin on the magical Flying Machine, for example, a storyboard artist sketched and developed its detailed exterior and precise movements based on the combined visions of the series' Producers, Writers, Directors, Production Designer and Art Director. The Flying Machine is a dragon-like aeroplane in the world of Fantasia with a long curving tail and diaphanous wings.