Performing Illusions - Chapter 4 (The Computer) Synopsis
In this chapter the author (Dan North) moves through the history of the use of computers in special/visual effects in the film industry, and the impact that each advance in technology has had in the motion picture industry. Moving from the humble beginnings of software controlling the movement of cameras around miniatures by ILM in the production of Star Wars in the 70’s, all the way to the creation and composition of full CGI dinosaurs in Jurassic Park in the 90’s. As the technology advances North opens up conversations on the morality and possible effects of the digitalisation of visual effects.
North, D. (2008) Performing Illusions: Cinema, Special Effects and the Virtual Actor. London: Wallflower Press.
In Text citation Example:
McStay (2017) raises the point that if people are so concerned about the way in which their personal data is used why do they continue to use online services that put said data at risk. McStay (2017, p3.) then goes on to say that, “We found that reports from the advertising industry, NGOs and academia pointed to high levels of concern about control of personal information.” reinforcing this initial statement.
McStay, A. (2017) Privacy and the media. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Film Quarterly – Kristen Whissel Talks About Spectacular Digital Effects: CGI and Contemporary Cinema
In this book review, the journalist Regina Longo has the chance to talk with Kristen Whissel about her (then new) book; Spectacular Digital Effects CGI and Contemporary Cinema. Whissel talks about how digital creatures in modern cinema have started to emerge at the same time as scientific and medical breakthroughs that are causing an increase in technophobia and the potential impact that digital technology can have on human life. She also goes on to say that the changes in cinema due to the emergence of digital effects in cinema have raised questions about spectacle and narrative. Whissel says that “Too often, visual effects are thought of as empty spectacles that contribute little or nothing to the development of narrative, story, or character.” (Whissel, 2014) She goes on to say that in her eyes, visual effects act as aids to the narrative by expressing the key themes.
Longo, K. (2014) ‘Kristen Whissel Talks About Spectacular Digital Effects: CGI and Contemporary Cinema’, Film Quarterly, Vol. 68, No. 1 (Fall 2014), pp. 83-86.
Essay 1 Mind Map
One Minute Paper (Week 5)
Principles of VFX – One minute paper
Name: Ryan Clark Date: 15/10/18
In concise, well-planned sentences, please answer the two questions below:
1. What are the two [three, four, five] most significant [central, useful, meaningful, surprising] things you have learned during this session?
One of the most useful things that I found during this session was that the uncanny valley actually originated from the robotics industry and not the digital animation industry. Another useful thing that I found during the session was the wider use of synthespians in the media (Audrey Hepburn in the Galaxy advert).
2. What question(s) remain uppermost in your mind?
How, as VFX artists, would we avoid falling into the uncanny valley when creating characters?
3. Is there anything you did not understand?
There isn’t anything that I didn’t understand.
Essay 2 Question Ideas
Essay 2 Presentation
Essay 2 Figures
A collection of images that I used throughout my essay. These examples were used to show the difference between invisible and seamless effects, and to show the techniques involved when creating an effect.
Essay 2 Structure Plan
I used this mind map as guide when writing my essay. I found it helpful to have the structure of my essay prepared and able to be referred to while writing.