In the late-60s and early-70s, computer-generated imaging was at its first steps; creating the grid frame on a radar screen for sci-fi films, such as in Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi, or James Cameron's Aliens.
But, over the years CGI evolved, and we are now creating full films using only computer-generated imagery, Pixar's Toy Story (1995) being the first to do so.
Fast forward a decade and now we have films banking on people going to watch them because of their CGI. Transformers for example. So let's go back to the initial question, "what if Transformers didn't have any CGI?"Many would argue that the film wouldn't have been nearly as successful. The film is targeted at an audience that will go to watch it simply because of the realistic, larger than life robots.
CGI is truly a very important factor in creating action movies nowadays, and it has definitely become necessary to make an action film look as realistic as possible. This was great topic to discuss, as CGI has become a worldwide phenomenon and will continue to be used, as computer software and special effects continue to evolve.
ReplyDeleteThis blog posting is really cool and interesting because I didn’t know Toy Story was the first movie to use computer generated imagery. Also, it’s weird to think about how modern films wouldn’t make as much money (i.e. Transformers) if it wasn’t for CGI.
ReplyDeleteCGI is a huge factor for films, especially action and animation films. It's so cool to see how films have developed over the year as technology has gotten better and better. Also it's crazy to think about making a film today but without all the technology we have today. CGI brings movies to a whole other level and just bring to life to movies.
ReplyDeleteIn future posts I would like to see you elaborate upon resources that address how the incorporation of special effects changes patterns of marketing and distribution (if it does change anything).
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