(Direct link to video) Creating the environment for the science fiction movie Prometheus involved many layers of 3D digital data, some of which came from Google Earth. Visual Effects Supervisor Richard Stammers explains how he used digital scans of a desolate location called Wadi Rum in Jordan as a starting point for constructing the alien planet. "Google Earth became an important tool for any of our previs and shoot planning," he says. From CG Wires
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This Saturday, I'll be speaking at MICA in Baltimore in connection with the annual meeting of ASAI, the American Society of Architectural Illustrators. Everyone is welcome, but there's an admission charge. If you'd like to look into attending, here's more info.
Interesting. "Prometheus" is filled with references to the David Lean film "Lawrence of Arabia," and here is another. Wadi Rum was Auda abu Tayi's camp, and where he invited Lawrence to dine. Tayi was the leader of the Howeitat tribe, and during the dinner (as portrayed in the film) Lawrence persuaded him and his warriors to join in Lawrence's campaign to take Aqaba from the land. I need to watch the movie again (it would be my fifth viewing!) just to uncover more LOA references!
ReplyDeleteSpecial effects: A+, Plot and Direction...
ReplyDeleteMartyn, I enjoyed reading your post. I am an avid movie fan and have become increasingly annoyed by the sheer stupidity of some studios, and their near fanatical obsession with CGI everything. From what I have researched it's often quite a bit cheaper to use physical models, sets and animatronics, verse just CGIng the crap out of it. I think I remember hearing that John Carter had more digital characters than Finding Nemo, A completely computer animated movie? and don't get me started on the state of movie posters (when was the last major film to have a painted/drawn poster verse photomaniping). =D sorry I'l have a more possitive post next time.
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