* Concept Art and Design: Artists created detailed drawings and 3D models of the Ark, including its exterior, interior, and even the animals that would inhabit it.
* Motion Capture and Performance: Actors were filmed wearing motion capture suits, which recorded their movements and expressions. This data was used to animate the digital characters, including Evan Almighty.
* Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI): The bulk of the Ark's construction was done in CGI. Artists used software like Maya and 3ds Max to create the intricate details of the ship, including the wood, ropes, and even the individual planks.
* Visual Effects Integration: The CGI Ark was then combined with live-action footage of the actors and real-world locations using techniques like compositing and rotoscoping.
While the film used CGI to create the Ark, the production did build a large, partial set of the Ark's exterior for certain scenes. This provided actors with a visual reference point and allowed for some practical effects to be incorporated. However, the majority of the Ark was completely digital.
The film's production company, Universal Pictures, emphasized that they wanted to create an Ark that felt real and authentic. This required extensive collaboration between artists, filmmakers, and CGI specialists to produce a believable and awe-inspiring depiction of the biblical vessel.