MPC Paris, formerly Mikros VFX, at the heart of the visual effects of the film Le Boulet

Released in 2002, Le Boulet, directed by Alain Berbérian and Frédéric Forestier, is a landmark action comedy, driven by special effects and digital visual effects that were highly innovative for their time. This project marked a turning point in the history of Mikros Image, now MPC Paris, as it was one of the very first large-scale VFX projects handled by our teams.

A memorable action sequence: the Ferris wheel
Supervised by Christian Guillon, head of EST (Étude et Supervision des Trucages), the spectacular collapse of the Ferris wheel in the Tuileries Garden was one of the film’s biggest technical challenges. Spanning 150 shots, including 70 VFX shots, this sequence required a full month of intensive work to recreate the chase between Gérard Lanvin and a police officer, with the wheel collapsing in a realistic way after being hit by a car.

At the time operating under the name Mikros Image, our teams were in charge of the digital 3D effects, while the on-set practical effects were handled by the team known as “Les Versaillais”. The 3D modeling and animation of the Ferris wheel and the Tuileries Garden were led by Nicolas Rey and François-Xavier Nallet, under the supervision of Bruno Le Provost and Fabrice Delapierre. This pioneering project helped establish Mikros Image as a key player in digital visual effects in France.

Initially, the 3D wheel was intended only for wide shots. As the work progressed, however, the quality of the rendering and animation proved strong enough to support much closer views. This made it possible to create detailed shots in which the wheel rushes toward the camera before breaking apart in a striking way.

A meticulous assembly of visual elements
From July 2001 to February 2002, every element was carefully combined to deliver a smooth and immersive final sequence. Live-action footage of actors and vehicles, miniatures, and 3D elements were assembled by the Mikros Image 2D team, led by Krao and Hugues Namur.

Arnaud Fouquet, alongside Bruno Sommier, supervised this delicate process for EST. Integrating the various elements, including the 3D wheel, crushed cabins, dust effects, and matte-painted skies, required seamless coordination and very precise compositing work. Sophie Denize, VFX Producer at Mikros Image, also played a central role in coordinating this ambitious production.

The final compositing brought together a wide range of elements, from the 3D wheel and studio-built crushed cabins to digitally generated dust and retouched matte-painted skies. Christophe Courgeau notably designed a set of evolving skies that become increasingly overcast as the action intensifies, adding dramatic tension to the scene.

A foundational project for MPC Paris
This project marked the beginning of a long journey for MPC Paris, formerly Mikros Image, in the world of visual effects. The level of care and craft brought to the Ferris wheel sequence in Le Boulet showcased the breadth of our expertise and paved the way for many other ambitious projects to come.