Technology

Computer Generated Imagery

What is it?
• Computer Generated Imagery
• 3D Computer Graphics
• Special Effects
• First used in 1973 (WestWorld – Sci-Fi movie)

How is it used?
• Technological Movies
• In Computer Games
• To Create other-worldly experiences
• Simulators, to represent the outside world (Flight/Rollercoaster Simulator)

Impact it has:
• It Makes it possible to allow certain stunts and scenes to become real (e.g. Twilight, Die Hard)
• Without CGI, a lot of great movies would not exist (Star Wars, Avatar)

3D

• You can now see films in 3 dimensions (filmed with 3 lenses) to make the viewer feel more involved.
• You have to wear the 3D glasses to bring all three different camera angles into focus so that it appears to be in 3 dimensions.
• There are some disadvantages because the glasses are uncomfortable and a lot of 3D is of a poor quality as it’s not actually filmed in 3D.
• Examples of 3D Films are: Avatar, Spy Kids 3D and Cars 2.
• 3D is now available on Sky T.V. (Only for SKY customers with a 3D T.V.)

Editing Software

• All Films require editing, the BBC use “Avid” software.
• It makes footage smoother, you can add credits titles etc.
• Non-linear editing (editing that is put together from different parts of the movie, not all in sequence)

High-Definition

• IMAX cinema’s show HD films.
• Has better Imagery (1million pixels)
• IMAX screen is 22 meters wide by 16 meters high, this is equivalent to a five storey building, and as wide as 4 busses.
• HD Is now available for T.V. as well as Cinemas.

Cameras

• 35mm films changed to digital in 1999
• The new Sony a55 has changed the dSLR market. It’s like a traditional dSLR, with interchangeable lenses and phase-detection AF, but with the simpler and lighter design of the compacts.
• Less blurring with modern technology.
• 35mm 24 frames per second, digital does 48 frames per second.