Return of The Jedi, Independence Day, Batman Returns, Jumanji, and Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. These are just a few movies which create illusions through the use of special effects. Have you ever wondered, "how did they do that?" This week we'll learn how imagination and technology are used in the movie industry.

Computer Graphics

Computers are being used to create amazing special effects. As a pioneer in the special effects industry, Industrial Light and Magic has faced many challenges in bringing illusion to the movies.

Computer Graphics Revolution: T2, Jurassic Park and Congo - "T2 has rewritten the book on what is possible in the special effects arena." Jurassic Park delivers the illusion of prehistoric life. The volcanoes and earthquakes of Congo required elaborate special effects.

Star Wars - The Magic of the Myth - For over 100 years, science fiction stories and films have stimulated the imaginations of many scientists in the forefront of discovery, encouraged young people to choose the sciences as a career, and shaped our visions and expectations of future space travel. Among all of these science-fiction tales, the Star Wars film trilogy has proven to be a very special inspiration.

Techniques

Matte Shots - Matte paintings are large and very realistic. They're shot seperately, then composited with live-action to create a fantastic scene.

The Blue Screen Page - Creating a blue screen composite image starts with a subject that has been photographed in front of an evenly lit, bright, pure blue background. The compositing process, whether photographic or electronic, replaces all the blue in the picture with another image, known as the background plate.

Films

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

Jumaniji

Indiana Jones Movies

Twister

Extras

Special Effects FAQ - Everything you need to know about FX.

Dennis Muren - The master of special effects.

Observatory - Go behind the scenes and see how a short student film was made.

Special Effects Makeup - Special effects you can create yourself.

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