From the magical trick photography of Georges Méliès to the groundbreaking innovations of films like Jurassic Park and The Matrix, we unravel the milestones that shaped the industry.
Discover the pioneers who redefined what was possible on screen, the ingenious techniques that brought fantastical worlds to life, and the evolution of tools that made the impossible a reality.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply curious about the magic behind the movies, this episode is packed with fascinating insights, heartwarming anecdotes, and plenty of nostalgia.
Pivotal Moments in VFX History
During the episode, Ian and David discussed several landmark films that revolutionised the industry. Here’s a closer look at some of these films, along with curated resources to explore further:
- “Tron” (1982) – One of the first films to use extensive CGI, even though it was disqualified from the Best Visual Effects category at the Oscars for “cheating.”
- Full Documentary: The Making of Tron
- “Jurassic Park” (1993) – Pioneered the seamless blend of practical and digital effects, setting a new standard for realism.
- The Making of Jurassic Park
- “The Matrix” (1999) – Introduced bullet-time photography and elevated digital compositing.
- How The Matrix Changed Cinema
A Brief History of CGI
During the conversation, David mentioned sharing more on the evolution of CGI. Here’s a quick overview:
- The early use of CGI in Westworld (1973) and Futureworld (1976).
- How Star Wars (1977) utilised computer-generated imagery for wireframe models in the trench run sequence.
- The transition from wireframe to photorealistic CGI with The Abyss (1989) and Terminator 2 (1991).
For those interested in diving deeper:
Bonus Content: Hidden Gems of VFX
For those eager to explore more, here are a few lesser-known but influential films that utilised VFX in innovative ways:
- “The Fountain” (2006) – Used micro-photography instead of CGI to create cosmic visuals.
- “Children of Men” (2006) – Masterful blending of practical effects and CGI to create seamless long takes.
- “Ex Machina” (2014) – Subtle and effective use of digital effects to enhance character design and environment.
Additional Learning Resources
Books:
- “The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting” by Mark Cotta Vaz
- “CG 101: A Computer Graphics Industry Reference” by Terrence Masson
Podcasts:
- The VFX Show – Insightful discussions on visual effects in current films and TV shows.
- Befores & Afters – Hosted by Ian Failes, offering behind-the-scenes insights from industry professionals.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.