Synopsis:

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the story of one man, Lali (played by Jonah Hauer-King), a Slovakian Jew, who, in 1942, was deported to Auschwitz, the concentration camp where over a million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.

Shortly after arrival, Lali was made one of the Tätowierer (tattooists), charged to ink identification numbers onto fellow prisoners’ arms. One day, he met Gita (played by Anna Próchniak) when tattooing her prisoner number on her arm, leading to a love that defies the horrors around them. So began a courageous and unforgettable, story. Under constant guard from a volatile Nazi SS officer Baretzki (played by Jonas Nay), Lali and Gita became determined to keep each other alive.

Around 60 years later, Lali (portrayed by Harvey Keitel) then in his 80s, met aspiring writer Heather Morris (played by Melanie Lynskey). Recently widowed, Lali found the courage to tell the world his story. In recounting his past to Heather, Lali finally confronted the traumatic ghosts of his youth and relived his memories of falling in love in the darkest of places.

Union's Work:

Union’s team, led by VFX Supervisor David Schneider and 2D Supervisor Dan Victoire, played a critical role in bringing this story to life. With 70 artists across 14 departments, Union created 38 assets and delivered 197 shots, working closely with Synchronicity Films and the VFX production team.

The digital reconstruction of Auschwitz-Birkenau was a standout achievement. The team developed vast and intricate CG environments that allowed for interactive deconstruction, accurately illustrating the camp’s expansion during the story’s timeline. Historical authenticity was paramount, with extensive research informing every detail—from textures like mud and weathering to digital matte painting extensions that enriched the visual narrative.

Dynamic visual effects, including fire, smoke, ash, and weather conditions, enhanced the atmosphere, while a library of 2D and 3D sprites representing prisoners and guards added depth and realism. The result was a harrowing yet historically accurate depiction that honoured the story’s gravity.

Collaboration was at the heart of the project. Union worked closely with the production team, fostering trust and shared dedication to telling this poignant story with integrity. Despite the challenging subject matter, the team found inspiration in the passion and compassion of everyone involved.
 

Awards:

Alongside a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode at the 23rd VES Awards the team's work on powerful series earned two major VFX awards:

Excellence in VFX - Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 
Best VFX - RTS Craft & Design Awards

The Jury for the RTS awards said “this was brilliant use of VFX, including tattoo and body replacements, with 600 expertly crafted shots that sensitively enhance the storytelling.”

We are immensely proud of our team and grateful to the production team at Synchronicity Film, VFX team Simon Giles and Alan Church and our friends at Untold Studios for their trust and collaboration in telling this poignant and important story. 

Union's Team:

VFX Supervisor David Schneider

2D Supervisor Dan Victoire

VFX Producer Tallulah Baker