Why is VFX so Expensive?

Summary

In this video, the creator hires three VFX artists at different price points ($10, $100, $1000) to create a Godzilla effect. They explore the creative process behind VFX, from 3D modeling and animation to explosions and sound design. The creator tests the results of each VFX artist’s work, comparing the quality and value of each shot, while also crafting their own $10,000 effect. Along the way, they learn important lessons about lighting, atmosphere, and the impact of sound, ultimately revealing the final VFX creations. The video is a mix of humor, technical insight, and VFX experimentation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator tests VFX at different budget levels: $10, $100, $1,000, and self-made $10,000 to compare quality and value.
• 😀 Filming is done in nature rather than cities to provide a unique environment for Godzilla and avoid public embarrassment.
• 😀 Practical props, like a toy grenade, are used to create realistic interactions with the CGI elements.
• 😀 The creator uses drones and camera tracking to match Godzilla’s scale accurately in each shot.
• 😀 Houdini and Nuke are the primary software tools used for VFX simulations, compositing, and rendering.
• 😀 The $10 VFX version delivers surprisingly good results considering the low budget, while the $1,000 version has better detail but sometimes less realism in models.
• 😀 Rigging and animation are crucial for making Godzilla feel alive, with additional attention to muscle jiggle, shaking, and realistic motion.
• 😀 Lighting, color grading, and day-to-night conversion significantly enhance the visual impact and realism of the scenes.
• 😀 Sound design, including rain, thunder, and stomps, is essential for making the effects feel immersive and realistic.
• 😀 The experiment emphasizes the balance between budget, effort, and quality in VFX production, showing that high cost does not always equate to the best perceived value.

Q & A

What is the main premise of the video?

The video explores the process of creating the same VFX effect at three different price points: $1, $10, and $1,000. The creator hires different VFX artists to execute the same effect and compares the results.

Why did the creator choose to work with different price points for VFX?

The creator wanted to explore how the quality and complexity of VFX change at various price points. By hiring VFX artists at $1, $10, and $1,000, they could directly compare the results to determine if higher price correlates with better quality.

What inspired the creator's VFX project involving Godzilla?

The creator was inspired by a kaiju fight from a Superman movie and wanted to make a video featuring Godzilla in a unique setting. They decided to use a combination of practical effects and VFX to create epic scenes involving Godzilla.

Why did the creator film in nature instead of a city environment?

While Godzilla is typically shown in cities, the creator chose a natural setting to provide a different visual context. The decision was also partially influenced by the creator's personal comfort, as they didn't want to film in a public space.

How did the creator address the challenge of creating a $10,000 VFX shot on a budget?

To tackle the challenge, the creator decided to make the $10,000 VFX shot themselves. They estimated that by spending 200 hours on the project, with an hourly rate of $50, their work could be valued at $10,000.

What did the creator do to create a detailed Godzilla model for their VFX?

The creator found a 3D model of Godzilla online and received high-detail files from a creator on Instagram. They enhanced the model using displacement textures to add finer details and make it look realistic both up close and from afar.

How did the creator improve the visual quality of their own VFX shot?

The creator improved their shot by adding more realistic lighting, shadows, smoke, and rain. They turned a daytime shot into nighttime and used depth layers to make Godzilla appear more integrated into the scene.

What role did sound play in improving the VFX shots?

Sound was crucial in making the VFX feel more realistic. The creator used sound effects for rain, thunder, lightning, and Godzilla's stomps to enhance the overall atmosphere and make the VFX come to life.

What was the creator's reaction to the $10 VFX shot?

The creator was impressed by the $10 VFX shot, particularly considering the low price. Despite some rough edges, they found the animation, tracking, and rendering impressive for the price and saw it as a solid starting point.

How did the creator feel about the $1,000 VFX shot, and what were the notable features?

The creator had mixed feelings about the $1,000 VFX shot. While they appreciated the quality, they noted the model looked a bit fake, and the explosion lacked proper interaction with Godzilla. The shot was polished and had better energy than the $10 version.

What did the creator focus on to make their $10,000 VFX shot stand out?

The creator focused on enhancing the lighting and atmosphere, specifically by improving contrast and adding atmospheric effects like rain and fog. They also spent significant time on detailed animations and compositing to create a truly immersive Godzilla scene.