Future of Film Podcast · HaZ: The Power of Realtime CG Animation

"I love the level of spontaneity with the the process of creating the scenes and shots with virtual cameras" Hasraf 'HaZ' Dulull

This episode is about how filmmaker HaZ is reinventing his craft through realtime game engine-powered animation.

Having originally started his career in VFX, Hasraf 'HaZ' Dulull transitioned to directing and producing, with the Netflix-acquired sci-fi. THE BEYOND. He then followed up with another sci fi feature, 2036 ORIGIN UNKNOWN before directing a major show for Disney, FAST LAYNE.

Throughout a career characterised by innovation, HaZ has particularly made use of realtime game engine tools and Unreal Engine. In 2019 at Future of Film Summit , he showcased how these helped unlock finance for his projects through a 'pre-vis to pitch-vis' process. In 2020 he directed the groundbreaking Virtual Production live action short, PERCIVAL with Rebellion Studios.

Now, working with a small global team, HaZ is using the same tools to realise his vision through completely animated films. In this conversation, HaZ shares the tools, techniques and workflow he is using to create the latest HaZ Films project, the animated anime feature film RIFT. He also explains how this process is enabling him to retain creative independence and achieve commercial success in the new streaming landscape.

More About HaZ

HaZ started his career in Visual Effects before transitioning over to directing and producing with his breakout feature film THE BEYOND, the indie sci-fi was released in 2018 and was number 2 in the iTunes Charts before being licensed on Netflix and turning into a profitable movie. 

His second feature film - 2036 Origin Unknown, starring Katee Sackhoff earned a limited Theatrical release before landing on Netflix. He was then hired by Disney to helm the pilot for action comedy series Fast Layne, where he also served as EP / Creative Consultant on the entire series.  

HaZ is currently utilising virtual production and realtime CGI with his latest feature film - RIFT, a sci-fi action anime currently in production and rendered entirely in Unreal Engine.