CGI, or Computer-Generated Imagery, is the technology that allows for an artist to use a computer in order to construct an elaborate scene or even an entire movie without the need for special effects or other forms of illusion. A CGI film can either be entirely computer-generated or include actors, background scenes, special effects, and any other type of film trick. In this article, we will go over how CGI works, where CGI came from, and how it has transformed the movie market.

How CGI Works

In a CGI-created film, a three-dimensional shape must be constructed in order to serve as a basis for the computer’s generated images. These 3D shapes can either be robotic in function or simple clay or plaster designs. Artists start with a basic representation and then carve the shape into a realistic, detailed design that looks and feels like the real thing should. Any additional features are added in such as walking mechanisms or other realistic functions. The computer then assigns the object a number of controllers that are used to mark specific movements. These controllers are used to make the object walk, talk, create facial expressions, and various other movements that a real character would perform. An actor is then used to create the voice for the character while not actually being in the film himself. This makes scenes that require dangerous acts a simple task because a human being is not required to perform the task. A CGI film can take years to complete but the final product is well worth the wait as CGI is capable of replicating humans, animals, weather, backgrounds, futuristic weapons and vehicles, space, and any other thing that could exist in a normal film.

History

Computer-generated imagery first became a reality in the early 1970s when a film known as Westworld used CGI to digitally create special effects for robotic cowboy killers at an amusement park designed to recreate action scenes from the wild west. In it’s sequel, Futureworld, CGI was used again to digitally create a human face and hand. CGI was used again in other prominent films of the same decade, most popular of which was the Star Wars series. Yet again, CGI was used to create scenes in the popular movie, Forest Gump, by digitally removing Lieutenant Daniel Taylor’s legs, inserting Tom Hanks into historical political scenes, and various other tricks.

CGI has evolved dramatically over the past 40 years, serving multiple functions in both movies and television shows. CGI started out as just simple computer-generated images played frame-by-frame quickly and inserted into a film. This form of CGI was incredibly noticeable, though still a big success for its time. CGI today, however, has advanced to full-blown people that are entirely designed by computer. These CGI-“humans” are completely identical to real humans and a difference cannot be made by average movie-watchers. CGI has also advanced to incorporate full-length movies that are either entirely of CGI design or mostly of CGI design.

Controversy

Due to the advancements in CGI and digital human replication, it is now possible to use a computer to create an entire video footage that is identical to real footage. This means that survelliance scenes can be created and used as evidence in a court of law that depict a particular person commiting a crime or replacing the actual criminal with a fake identity to either condemn an innocent person to a criminal penalty or relieve a criminal of persecution. Because of this, law enforcement must come up with technologies and methods to detect if a video is real or computer-generated before proceeding to trial. This serves as a prime example that CGI, while amazing for films and entertainment, can also be used to commit great evils.

CGI Software

There exists a magnitude of animation software available on the Internet and in stores that allow you to create and use CGI. In fact, many of the most popular CGI films were made with animation software that is easily accessible by the general population, if only you are interested in looking for them. The following is a small collection of CGI and animation software that you can easily purchase or download for free in order to begin working on your CGI films.

Blender

Blender is an excellent program for animation artists and allows you to create true works of art. Blender is free and easy to use which makes it a priority program for anyone who is interested in getting into the animation industry. Blender is an open-source program that is constantly being updated to fix bugs and improve functionality.

Animation: Master

Animation: Master comes in a free version and a paid version which is relatively cheap. Where as most animation software uses polygons to create animated shapes, Animation: Master has its own method of creating these images. Animation: Master is specifically made to allow one person to create a full-length animated piece without a team or expensive hardware.

Truspace 7.6

Truspace 7.6 is a breakthrough in animation software for anyone who wants to use a free, well-packed program. Truspace 7.6 is a good program for both beginners and experts as it allows for modeling, rendering, texturing, animating, and rendering all in one package. Truspace 7.6 offers fully-functional, professional CGI tools at no cost. Simply visit their website for your free download and watch their downloadable video tutorials (also free) to get started.