"NO CGI" is really just INVISIBLE CGI (1/4)

Summary

The video script delves into the dichotomy between practical effects and CGI in Hollywood, challenging the notion that modern films are using less CGI. It scrutinizes movies like 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Stranger Things', which are praised for their practical effects, yet heavily rely on CGI. The script exposes how studios and media often omit CGI involvement, despite it being integral to the final product. It also highlights the collaborative nature of practical and digital effects, suggesting that the industry's marketing of 'no CGI' is misleading and that a blend of both is crucial for creating realistic and impressive visuals.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Despite claims of using less CGI, Hollywood films still rely heavily on computer-generated imagery to create impressive visuals.
• 🌟 'Top Gun: Maverick' was praised for its practical effects, but many of the aircraft seen in the film were actually CGI replacements.
• 🔍 The film industry often emphasizes 'practical' filming to give an impression of authenticity, even when significant CGI is used.
• 🚀 In 'Top Gun: Maverick', real jets were used for filming, but many were later replaced with CGI in post-production for various reasons.
• 🤡 For 'Stranger Things', Vecna's practical makeup was complemented by CGI to enhance the character's appearance.
• 🏆 The film 'Blade Runner 2049' used a mix of miniatures and CGI for its cityscapes, showing the synergy between practical and digital effects.
• 🏎 The 'Fast & Furious' franchise, while promoting practical stunts, has increasingly used CGI for complex car scenes and environments.
• 🤹‍♂️ Practical effects provide a valuable reference for CGI, helping to maintain realism in digital enhancements.
• 🎭 The debate between practical and CGI effects is often overstated; both can be used effectively in combination to create compelling visuals.
• 🎥 Studios and filmmakers may downplay the use of CGI in marketing to appeal to audiences who prefer the perception of 'real' stunts and effects.

Q & A

What is the general perception of CGI in Hollywood films according to the script?

The script suggests that despite the increasing length of visual effects credits, filmmakers claim to use less CGI than before, and there is a strong emphasis on practical filmmaking.

Why is practical filmmaking considered important by some filmmakers as mentioned in the script?

Some filmmakers believe that practical filmmaking is important because it can provide a level of realism and authenticity that CGI may not be able to replicate, and they want audiences to recognize the effort put into creating such scenes without digital enhancements.

How does the script describe the approach taken by 'Top Gun: Maverick' in terms of visual effects?

The script highlights 'Top Gun: Maverick' as a film that used a practical approach to filming dogfights, with the filmmakers working closely with aerial photographers to capture real footage, but also notes that many of the aircraft seen in the film were replaced with CGI in post-production.

What is the significance of the statement 'no CGI on the jets' in the context of 'Top Gun: Maverick'?

This statement emphasizes the filmmakers' intention to use practical effects for the jet scenes in 'Top Gun: Maverick'. However, the script reveals that this claim is somewhat misleading as many of the jets shown in the film are actually CGI creations.

How does the script challenge the idea of 'no CGI' in the making of certain films?

The script challenges this idea by providing examples where practical effects were used during filming but were later replaced or enhanced with CGI in post-production, suggesting that the final product is a combination of both practical and digital effects.

What role does the practical footage play in the visual effects process as discussed in the script?

The script explains that practical footage serves as a valuable reference for lighting and movement, helping to ground the CGI elements in reality and ensuring that the final visual effects are convincing.

Why might studios and filmmakers downplay the use of CGI as suggested in the script?

The script suggests that studios and filmmakers might downplay the use of CGI to appeal to audiences who prefer practical effects, to create a sense of authenticity, or to avoid criticism that their work relies too heavily on digital enhancements.

How does the script address the collaboration between practical and digital effects in filmmaking?

The script emphasizes that the best effects in modern filmmaking often result from a close collaboration between practical and digital effects, where each complements the other to create a more believable and immersive experience.

What is the significance of the phrase 'grounded in reality' mentioned in the script?

The phrase 'grounded in reality' signifies the importance of basing visual effects in real-world references, which helps in creating more convincing CGI by using practical elements as a foundation for the digital work.

How does the script view the public's perception of CGI versus practical effects?

The script suggests that the public's preference for practical effects over CGI is often based on a misunderstanding of how movies are made, and that the debate between the two is often overstated, as many films use a combination of both to achieve the best results.