Elaine Jean Tech 02.16.2022 07:Feb AM EST

#EntertainmentTech: What is CGI and How Does It Work?

CGI is an abbreviation for computer-generated imagery, which refers to the use of computer graphics in the creation of art and media. Nowadays, CGI is a term used to point out the seamless out-of-this-world graphic effects the public usually sees in movies.

Just like how it is used in a variety of ways, the creation of CGI and its graphic effects on computers also have a range of different methods that can be made possible through 2D or 3D animations, renderings, or creating algorithms.

According to Studio Binder, the technology of CGI is widely used nowadays, it can be applied to a numerous range of projects such as television programs, architecture, engineering, virtual reality video games, or simulation.

CGI Capabilities

The capabilities CGI can be used for varies widely. Through the use of CGI, creators can make an effect on characters and environments, including a character's appearance, bodily features, and magical or terrestrial location.

Through the years, CGI has become the visual effect of choice for most major films, whether its use is subtle or obvious.

Here are multiple ways CGI can be capable of as enumerated in Studio Binder:

Complex fractal patterns can be created by employing algorithms.
Vector shapes can be created using 2D pixel-based image editors.
3D graphics software can create anything from simple primitive shapes to complex forms made of flat triangles and quadrangles. It can even generate complex forms made entirely of flat triangles and quadrangles.
3D software can simulate the way light reacts to a surface and can generate particle effects as well as realistic lighting.

The History of CGI Through The Years

Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 movie "Vertigo" is said to be the first film to make use of CGI.

According to the website of the Nashville Film Institute (NFI), mechanical computers were used to create patterns on animation cells, which were then included in a feature film in the 1950s, which is when computer-generated imagery (CGI) first appeared on the scene.

Alfred Hitchcock may have gotten his start in the film industry with some 2D trickery. However, it wasn't until 1972 that Edwin Catmull and Fred Parke released a computer-animated short film titled "A Computer Animated Hand" that the general public was introduced to three-dimensional computer graphics.

This was accomplished through the use of 350 triangles and polygons drawn in ink on Edwin's hand, which were then digitized and carefully animated in a 3D animation program written by Catmull.

CGI Films: James Cameron's 'Avatar'

James Cameron is a Canadian filmmaker known for movies that are heavily CGI tailored. His films include "The Terminator," "Titanic," and "Avatar."

"Avatar," in particular, was shot in photo-realistic "stereoscopic 3D," which is a combination of live-action and computer-generated imagery.

According to Film Studies, Avatar is composed of 60 percent computer-generated imagery. The remaining 40% of the film is made up of traditional live-action techniques, which are shown in the trailer.

Cameron began working on the film in the 90s, but the release of the film was postponed for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons is that the technology used in the production was insufficient to support the vision he has for his project.

Cameron had hoped to use photorealistic computer-generated characters together with newly-developed technologies. His vision was finally realized in 2006 when new motion-capture animation technologies were developed to enable him to bring his vision to life.

The initial budget for the film was 10 million dollars, which was funded by 20th Century Fox. The budget was eventually increased to 237 million dollars by the time the film was completed.

The film's success at the box office, where it earned $2.7 billion USD and received overwhelmingly positive reviews, spoke for itself. "Avatar" was later on rewarded with three Oscars.

With the use of CGI technology, James Cameron delivered an incredible display of cinematic effect in which the audience had quite a tough time distinguishing what is real and what is digital.