An Act of Kindness Spirals into Obsession in Netflix's 'Baby Reindeer'

JAM brings its VFX expertise to Netflix series ‘Baby Reindeer’.

Q> What's a short synopsis of the story?

Layla> The series is a true story, written by and starring the talented Richard Gadd, who adapted his award-winning one-man play and premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019. Based on Richard’s own tumultuous experiences, sparked by a seemingly innocent act of kindness, the show delves into the depths of human obsession, trauma, and resilience.

Centred around protagonist Donny, played by Richard himself, the series plunges viewers into a relentless journey marked by stalking and anguish. Donny's fateful encounter with the enigmatic Martha at a London pub sets off a chain of events that relentlessly tests his resolve.

Baby Reindeer culminates in a poignant reflection on the enduring scars of trauma, highlighting how its impact lingers long after the visible wounds have healed.

Q> Who did we work with on it?

Layla> Clerkenwell Films were the production company and Richard Gadd was the writer, actor and Executive producer on the show.

Q> Where is the project running?

Layla> The show is currently running on Netflix and is being streamed worldwide.

Q> What kind of VFX were in this show?

Layla> Richard was keen to tell his story through a wide range of transitions. Whether that’s in and out of screens or stitching multiple plates together highlighting the passage of time (when Martha is waiting at the bus stop all day for Donny to return from work). Throughout the series there was also a number of invisible VFX requirements, ranging from screen comps, signage to wound continuity.

Q> Was it shot in an interesting place?

Layla> The shoot was between London and Edinburgh.

Q> Did you face any challenges around creative techniques? If so, how did you overcome them?

Layla> We were asked to emphasise the feeling of psychedelia in the dark scenes of episode four. Finding a look which sells this idea was a challenge, as it’s such an ambiguous and personal thing for someone to experience. It was a journey to r&d these effects and eventually find a subtle, yet trippy, solution.

"JAM were exceptional throughout the editing process of Baby Reindeer, performing VFX miracles with tight turnarounds which always elevated the show on screen. The staff there are simply a pleasure to work with too. Polite, diligent, proficient, and always there to help at the drop of a hat. I would work with them again in an instant." said Richard Gadd, writer, actor and executive producer.