Glasgow | September 22, 2025
Glasgow-based animation and VFX studio Revenant has shared an epic first look trailer for their feature film, The Pony Express, which is currently in development. In an exciting next step, the studio has just received funding from Screen Scotland to move into a writer’s room stage and advance the scriptwriting process.
As we enter an era thirsty for original stories, The Pony Express’ development could strike a chord for audiences and entertainment studios alike who are searching for fresh ideas and worlds to get lost in. So, what story does Revenant’s cinematic undertaking offer?
In a dying world plagued by addiction, Ventura, a former addict with a fractured past, races against the ruthless Marauders to unlock the hidden knowledge protected by the Iri – small flying creatures that may hold the key to saving her world.
As the planet’s fate hangs in the balance, Ventura’s journey becomes one of redemption, weaving together themes of struggle, remembrance, resilience, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds.
The new trailer reveals key characters in action and draws viewers into a darkly beautiful planet. It was developed from a hybrid of Revenant’s own animations (made and rendered in Houdini), concept art, and subtle motion – with MidJourney used purely for minor movement only – to quickly bring the world and characters to life as a tease of what the film could become. The footage was then upscaled using HitPaw before the team layered in grain, halation, FX, grading, music, and sound design. The VO was crafted using ElevenLabs.
Ultimately, the sneak peek underlines how the studio approaches AI ethically – leveraging it to streamline processes where it adds value, without ever replacing core creative craftsmanship. The final film will use Unreal Engine, Maya, Houdini, and Nuke, and though they may use AI tools for technical assistance on aspects like rotoscoping, tracking, or note-taking, animation and artwork in the final film will be entirely human-led.
Follow Revenant here to stay up to date with The Pony Express’ development journey.
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About Revenant
Revenant is an award-winning animation and VFX house delivering thought-provoking creative solutions worldwide. Specialising in animation, motion graphics and innovative real-time visuals including VR, AR, CG environments and virtual production, Revenant communicates powerful content for clients in all sectors including broadcast, film, digital, experiential, games and commercial. See more work at revenant.tv
Marketing Manager: Naomi Smith, naomi@revenant.tv
Instagram: @revenant.tv