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CGI: Computer Generated Imagery in Cinema Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) employs computers to create and generate visual material and add special effects and enhancements for a movie, animation, television, games, commercials, print media and many other forms of multimedia. CGI or Computer Generated Energy can be split into two categories 2-D or 2 dimensional animations and 3-D or 3 dimensional animations. Computer Generated Imagery or CGI is utilized for visual effects as the quality and standard is undoubtedly higher and added special effects are more customizable and controllable, compared to processes which are physically carried out, used in earlier in film making. Construction costs for sets and miniatures, hiring extras for scenes requiring a crowd, and developing props has been minimized and soon will be grounded as its no longer feasible compared to innovation of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) Technology. Recent development of powerful CGI softwares and faster processing speeds of computers has led to the extensive use of Computer Generated Imagery in modern day films, and has allowed amateurs to produce professional grade films, fine art and games all from the comfort of their homes, using a powerful Personal Computer. The first uses of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) dates back to 1973. 2 Dimensional CGI was used in a science fiction film called Westworld. Soon after, the first 3 dimensional computer generated imagery was introduced in Future world—the sequel of Westworld in 1976. Many limb and facial animations were created in this film with the help of Computer Generated Imagery. The following year CGI was used for Star Wars, with an extensive use of vector graphics in various portions of the movie. In 1982’s Star Trek II CGI was used for fractal generated landscapes. The varying effects of the terrains were created with help of mathematical calculations, and later textures were added to make it appear realistic. Hence, a 3D planet could be created very easily without having the animators to manually tailor every detail. 1989’s Abyss and 1993’s Terminator 2 used extensive CGI to create various characters and replicate real life action scenes which is somewhat impossible in reality. High-quality surface textures and threading made the whole lot look very realistic for that time, and these movies were milestones showcasing the capabilities of modern Computer Generated Imagery (CGI). CGI also has a great contribution in animated films. 1995’s Toy Story, from Pixar was a box office hit, and it too was a combination of manual drawings and the help of Computer Generated Imagery to create brilliant animation and artificial worlds for the characters. Recent movies such as Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, King Kong, Sin City, X3, War of the Worlds, have been very much dependant on Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) for their development. With the coming of days, computers are getting faster and smarter. This has led to development of many state of the art softwares used by big names in the film industry. Some even have their own softwares. There’s no telling where Computer Generated Imagery will go next. The possibilities are simply boundless. So the next time you are watching a movie, try to think of all the CGI technology that has been put into every scene, and be amazed.
Article Source: http://www.phalenes.org/articles
Joel Teo is the author of this article on Cool Video. Find more information about Funny Video here.
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