Lux Aeterna Visualizes the History of Humanity in NOVA’s ‘Human’

Humans have always sought to understand where they come from. We’ve uncovered ancient remains, cave dwellings, and early artwork – but significant parts are still missing from the story. BBC and PBS NOVA’s Human bridges those gaps, offering a new perspective on how we became “us.”

Narrated by paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi, the four-part docuseries blends scientific research, stunning map visuals, archaeological evidence, and meticulous reconstructions to trace the evolution of humanity. To craft these lifelike creations, the BBC turned to VFX studio Lux Aeterna.

Here’s the trailer:

“Many of our projects have transformed scientific and historical data into something visually compelling,” says Emma Kolasinska, Executive Producer at Lux Aeterna. “But Human offered the rare chance to collaborate directly with experts from fields like anthropology, anatomy, and archaeology. It gave us access to incredibly detailed source material and a shared ambition to represent ancient humanity with honesty and precision.”

A hands-on planning process

Human was years in the making. The production spent more than a year in the planning phase, during which BBC researchers and consultants compiled extensive visual, archaeological, and anatomical references. Lux Aeterna’s early involvement ensured that the creative and technical approaches evolved alongside the scientific research, rather than being applied retrospectively in post.

“Having access to this material meant we could focus on the smallest anatomical nuances,” says Kolasinska. “Body proportions and skeletal structures were markedly different from modern humans – an aspect many reconstructions overlook. Paying attention to these details gave our work a level of accuracy that feels both authentic and alive.”

Initially, the production team considered prosthetics to achieve realism on set, but the technique would have required transporting a team to every shoot location. Likewise, CG prosthetics would have required an on-set VFX supervisor at every location. Instead, the team turned to photogrammetry – a process that captures high-fidelity 3D models from photographic data, offering a digital foundation for each scientifically accurate reconstruction.

Scanning for photorealism

Casting became the first crucial step in achieving authenticity.

“We were creating four models, each based on a different species: Jebel Irhoud, Floresiensis, Erectus, and early Homo sapiens,” Kolasinska explains. “Each possessed distinct anatomical traits, so the BBC carried out an extensive casting process to find participants whose features aligned with the research. It was essential that our digital doubles retained a connection to real human form.”

Once casting was complete, the team traveled to London-based studio, Sample & Hold, to begin scanning. The sessions were overseen by the BBC’s nudity and compliance specialists to ensure the process was handled sensitively. After the photogrammetry data was captured, Sample & Hold collaborated with BBC scientists to refine the raw scans before sending them to Lux Aeterna for digital finishing.

Perfecting the past

“The scans we received were of excellent quality. Our next steps were to refine them based on the information provided by the scientists, as the proportions of these early humans differed vastly from a modern-day human,” says Timmy Willmott, CG Supervisor at Lux Aeterna. “We  rendered an image of each angle of our scanned humans – front, back, sides, and a close up of the head, giving us a basis to align our scanned humans with the scientific skeletal references.”

The team used proportional data derived from genuine fossil records, ensuring that every detail, from bone structure to skull and body shape, reflected the best available scientific evidence. The result was a series of deeply realistic reconstructions that balanced accuracy with artistry, bringing humanity’s earliest ancestors to life in a way that felt both credible and moving.

Reimagining our origins

While many natural history documentaries rely on interpretation and visual approximation, Human stood apart for the precision and authenticity of its source material. Lux Aeterna’s work bridged the gap between science and storytelling, translating complex data into a visual experience that connects modern audiences with their ancient past.

“This project was a testament to how even the most detailed scientific and historical data can be presented in a way that’s both beautiful and accessible,” Kolasinska concluded. “It’s about reimagining ancient artifacts and rediscovering our origins through a new lens.”

Source: Lux Aeterna

Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.