Predator: Badlands - The Hunt for Emotions

Melbourne ACM SIGGRAPH Chapter and Wētā FX invite you to this exclusive and FREE Melbourne presentation: Predator: Badlands - The Hunt for Emotions.

Transforming an iconic cinematic monster into an emotionally resonant protagonist requires rethinking character design, performance methodology, and audience alignment. For Predator: Badlands, Wētā FX Sequence Visual Effects Supervisor Keith Herft will present how the team developed Dek, a fully digital facial performance anchored to a practical on-set suit, to sustain a nuanced emotional arc without compromising the Predator’s franchise defining silhouette and ferocity.

He will talk through the creative and technical framework used to achieve this result: a FACS based facial puppet, a fully keyframed animation approach guided by Dimitrius Schuster Koloamatangi’s live action performance (without facial solves), and internal anatomical rules tailored to Yautja physiology and language patterns.

Further, outlining the world building of Genna, the death planet. Keith will discuss creating vast CG vistas, enhancing plate photography to feel alien and developing some of the key creatures from concept through to completion that Dek must battle as the film’s protagonist. Collectively, these methods enabled a readable yet alien emotional performance in an alien world that reframes the Predator for audiences and supports a narrative led by a traditionally monstrous figure.

There will be giveaways, including copies of befores & afters magazine! Everyone welcome!

Date: Wednesday, 15th July, 2026

Time: 6.30pm

Where: RMIT. Building 80, Swanston St. Room 80.02.07. Enter beside the entrance onto Swanston Street.

Afterwards: Join us at The Oxford Scholar (427 Swanston St) following Keith's talk for a catch-up with fellow Melbourne chapter members.