Nyad

Based on Diana Nyad’s inspiring life story, ‘Nyad’ chronicles the remarkable achievement of the 60+ year-old athlete as she pursues her lifelong dream of completing a 110-mile-long open ocean swim from Cuba to Key West, facing the perils of wild waters, sharks and jellyfish.

As the production’s lead VFX partner, DNEG was tasked with creating a completely photorealistic simulated ocean surface across a large body of shots in 4K resolution. From envisioning the water as the third character in the narrative to seamlessly replacing water in close-up shots while preserving the actor’s performance, DNEG’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that every frame vividly portrayed Nyad’s breathtaking journey.

Additionally, DNEG played a pivotal role in developing CG hero assets, including a digi double of Diana Nyad, The Voyager boat, kayaks, and jellyfish.

FROM CUBA TO FLORIDA

'Nyad' | VFX Breakdown

DeepDive - Diving in Deep: The Incredible Water Work for Nyad

'Nyad' | Trailer

A remarkable story

Athlete Diana Nyad sets out to achieve 

a nearly impossible lifelong dream

We all made 
it happen

'Nyad' Mohsen Mousavi, VFX Supervisor DNEG

The crazy, intricate work behind DNEG’s VFX for ‘Nyad’

‘The water needed to have a performance’

'Nyad' VFX Supervisor Jake Braver on digitally dropping Annette Bening into the open ocean

'Nyad' Jake Braver, Production VFX Supervisor & Second Unit Director

DNEG takes home three prizes at the Visual Effects Society Awards 