Prompt Cast
The Evolution and Techniques of Movie Special Effects
TLDR Movie special effects have come a long way since the early days of motion pictures, with techniques ranging from practical effects to CGI. This podcast explores the history and advancements in special effects, including the use of costumes, in-camera techniques, CGI, and the resurgence of practical effects in the film industry.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
This section of the podcast is not related to the topic of special effects.
04:43
Movie special effects can range from subtle details that go unnoticed to entire sets created with CGI, and can be divided into three categories: practical effects, in-camera effects, and post-production effects.
09:40
Special effects in movies have been around since the invention of motion pictures in the 19th century, with techniques such as stop motion animation and the use of double exposure, and have evolved to include CGI in post-production.
14:49
Georges Méliès, a filmmaker in the early 1900s, used extensive costuming, masks, and in-camera techniques to create special effects in his movies, such as A Trip to the Moon, which became the basis for special effects in the next century.
20:09
Matte painting is a widely used and important special effect in movies, where a painting is used to extend or enhance a real-life set, and it has been used in films such as Mary Poppins and Superman.
25:05
The technique of rear screen projection and the shake and shimmy technique are used in movies to create the illusion of driving a car, with multiple people working together to make it look realistic.
29:55
Optical printers are used to film separate elements of a shot and combine them onto a single piece of film, while motion-controlled cameras allow for precise and repeatable camera movements, which were used in Star Wars to make models appear as if they were moving.
35:00
A combination of different techniques, including puppets, actors in costumes, animatronics, and CGI, were used to create the believable special effects in the scene with the velociraptors in the kitchen in Jurassic Park.
40:33
Practical effects are starting to make a comeback in the film industry, particularly among indie filmmakers, as computer-generated effects become more accessible and affordable.
45:51
ILM and Weta are two companies that have pioneered special effects in the film industry, with ILM focusing on practical effects and Weta specializing in motion capture techniques.
51:12
The podcast discusses the use of CGI in movies, including the first ever digital composite of a full-screen live-action image, the use of CGI to replicate computer screens, the first full CGI scene in Wrath of Khan, and the advancements in de-aging technology.
56:04
The podcast briefly discusses the importance of considering the age of an existing roof before installing solar panels, as roof repairs or replacement after installation can be difficult and expensive.
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Society & Culture
