3 HN users recommended this documentary3 months2019–2025score 3
Years with an HN recommendation, 2007–2026
HN recommends it as a look at pre-CGI effects work that looks like CGI but was entirely physical.
A 1983 behind-the-scenes film about making the HBO 'Feature Presentation' starship logo sequence. It shows the handcrafted miniature city, motion-control cameras and practical effects.
“looks CGI but is entirely physical models, motion controlled cameras, and clever compositing” (HN, 2023)
Reminds me of the making of a pre-CGI HBO intro -- looks CGI but is entirely physical models, motion controlled cameras, and clever compositing: [this video]
Pre-CGI intro built from physical models and motion control.
The original HBO "Feature Presentation" intro was shot with minatures and similar sorts of effects, all before digital/CGI existed or was feasible. There's a documentary about it on YouTube [this video]
Documentary on shooting the HBO intro with miniatures.
Or this: [this video] (SD unfortunately but then it is old - impressive amount of model building to achieve something that would be a CGI nobrainer today)
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