In all movies, there are real human actors. But how are they shown to fly across a cityscape in superhero movies? How are unrealistic objects or creatures rendered and animated in fantasy movies?

That’s the power of CGI.

In films, even when a few scenes or objects aren't real, they appear extremely lifelike because they are crafted with realistic CGI. Experts achieve these illusions in a way that blends them with the characters with the help of software. 

In a recent Vijay Deverakonda’s movie, called Family Star, there was a scene with a CGI dosa and all hell broke loose as netizens found out about using CGI for something as simple as a dosa. While this is funny, it shows how versatile CGI can be used in movies, even in surprising ways.

What is CGI?

Computer-generated imagery (CGI) uses computers to create captivating visuals: still or animated. CGI in movies can create unreal creatures, breathtaking scenes, or even bring to life things that don't exist in reality, such as talking animals and dragons. It's like drawing with special computers and bringing the characters to life! 

It is also important to note that CGI is a specific subset of visual effects. While VFX encompasses all visual manipulations in film, including practical effects like makeup and miniatures, CGI refers exclusively to imagery created or manipulated using computer software.

CGI in Movies - Stages Involved

Remember that massive bird in the movie 2.0, which served as the antagonist? It was a product of spectacular CGI and the following are the different steps involved in bringing it to the final creature you see on screen:

Concept Art and Design

Artists created the detailed concept art for the bird, establishing its overall look and key features.

3D Modeling

Using 3D software, modelers created the bird's digital structure, carefully crafting its body, feathers, beak, and other features based on the concept art.

Texturing

Texture artists apply detailed surface properties to the 3D model, giving the bird's feathers, skin, and other parts their specific colors and textures.

Rigging

Technical artists create a digital skeleton (rig) for the bird model, setting up control points that allow for movement and deformation. This crucial step prepares the model for animation.

Animation

Animators use the rigged model to create the bird's movements, including flying, walking, and attack sequences seen in 2.0. This stage brings the character to life.

FX (Effects)

FX artists add dynamic elements to enhance the bird's realism and impact. This includes simulating feather movement, creating particle effects for debris when the bird moves, or generating energy effects for its attacks.

Lighting

Lighting artists set up virtual lights to illuminate the CGI bird, matching the lighting of the live-action footage it will be composited into.

Rendering

The computer processes all the above information to generate the final images of the bird.

3D Comp (3D Compositing)

3D compositors integrate the rendered CGI bird into the 3D space of the scene. This involves matching the bird's perspective and scale to the live-action footage and may include adding additional 3D elements to enhance integration.

2D Compositing

2D compositors perform final adjustments, blending the 3D-composited bird seamlessly into the live-action footage. This includes colour correction, adding motion blur, and ensuring the bird interacts convincingly with its environment.

Is CGI the G.O.A.T?

Despite all its controversy, CGI technology has completely changed cinema and will continue to stay here for years to come. It has given life to a lot of director’s visions and enhanced the very perception of the audience. As they say, “No CGI is just Invisible CGI” 

What will be the future of CGI in the Indian film industry? Well, we can only wait and allow ourselves to see what experts have in store for us.

Are you someone who is looking to explore more about how CGI can bring your ideas to life?

Partner with Knack Studios today for cutting-edge CGI and visual effects that will captivate your audience.