Zero Dark Thirty

Territory Studio was brought on board to create authentic screen graphics for Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar-winning feature film telling the story of the world's biggest manhunt.

Zero Dark Thirty is a factual drama — almost a dramatised documentary in terms of the level of authenticity it required. Working closely with Bigelow, initial concepts were purely research-driven, identifying the specific technology used by the military, their suppliers, and the screen conventions that needed to be emulated.

From there it was a case of interpreting factual evidence and data within the film's narrative, finding the best use of screens to support plot points and performance — an interesting, delicate balance between maintaining authenticity and fictionalising aspects for narrative purposes. From Predator drone footage to satellite and aerial imagery, Territory's screens helped explain plot points and build dramatic tension throughout.

Client: Columbia Pictures