CG or Physical models

Woody

Member since
December 2002
From: Third rock from the sun.

CG or Physical models

Posted by Woody on Saturday, September 25, 2004 10:51 AM

I was just wondering if I'm the only one who misses the days when model builders ruled the Sci-Fi movie screen. I can't help but feel if the latest version of the Enterprise had been built with the same skill as the "Motion Picture" Refit model, it would be more awe inspiring and realistic. Remember when you first saw the Refit in space dock? It took my breath away! I also wonder if they have to put all that surface texture on modern CG ships to trick the eye into believeing it is a huge, real vessel. So do you like your studio models made up of pixals or plastic, wood, and metal?

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 25, 2004 3:26 PM

they still use models , lord of the rings used lots of models

i am a 3d modeler and taking it in college and i prefer real models and sets

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 25, 2004 6:34 PM

You have to trick the eye into thinking a miniature is full sized. It's the light that make practical models better than CGI. Fake light makes fake looking shots. Also the quality of the FX shots in ST:TMP are of the highest calibre. I think they outshine anything ILM has ever done. Viva la Douglas Trumble!

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Woody

Member since
December 2002
From: Third rock from the sun.

Posted by Woody on Saturday, September 25, 2004 7:35 PM

Agreed. The slow pan of the Enterprise in ST:TMP and the beautiful flyby of the Cygnus and it's awakening in "The Blackhole" are two of my favorite model shots in Sci-Fi films.

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones

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Mikeym_us

Member since
March 2004
From: Kincheloe Michigan

Posted by Mikeym_us on Sunday, September 26, 2004 7:10 AM

oh but you guys are missing the outstanding flyby shots of the Star Destroyer from Starwars and the beautiful flyby of the Battlestar Galactica in Battlestar Galactica but of course ILM did all the models and effects in so many memorable movies but you forgot to thank George Lucas for creating ILM along with the many hundreds of master modelers in his employ.

On the workbench: Dragon 1/350 scale Ticonderoga class USS BunkerHill 1/720 scale Italeri USS Harry S. Truman 1/72 scale Encore Yak-6

The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15 http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 26, 2004 11:08 AM

Don't like CGI ships personally. Just something about them. And let's not forget the Valley Forge, one of my faves.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 26, 2004 1:20 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mikeym_us

oh but you guys are missing the outstanding flyby shots of the Star Destroyer from Starwars and the beautiful flyby of the Battlestar Galactica in Battlestar Galactica but of course ILM did all the models and effects in so many memorable movies but you forgot to thank George Lucas for creating ILM along with the many hundreds of master modelers in his employ.

Im not forgetting. I really don't think they are nearly as interesting or as well put together shot when compared to the first ST movie and Bladerunner. I would rather thank John Dykstra for sharing his motion controll technique with ILM. Lucas tried to sue him over it but Mr. Dykstra had the foresight to protect his interest just like Lucas did with the SW property.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 1, 2004 7:01 PM

Gotta give some credit to Kubrick as well, the Discovery flyby was quite a site and has held up fairly well. I too agree that too much CGI has made effects seem rather uninspired, but I don't think it's really an either/or issue. CG can be used to enhance model would and has been done very effectively. I think the biggest problem with CGI is that it has robbed us of much of the thrill in seeing a great shot. In day gone by we would see a massive ship, crowd or epic sweeping shot and marvel about how they ever got it done. Now we shrug and think: "nice CG work"

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topher5001

Member since
December 2002

Posted by topher5001 on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 12:10 PM

I prefer actual models also. They just look more 'realistic'.
My fav shot is in ST2 when the Enterprise is heading for the nebula & flys overhead from the top-left to centre screen.

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Woody

Member since
December 2002
From: Third rock from the sun.

Posted by Woody on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 12:41 PM

Hello Topher, Welcome to the form.

Another thing about physical models is there is a chance that you could get to see the original studio model in person. I would love to look at the 11' Enterprise in person!

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 3:44 PM

Real Models for me all the way.
IMHO, a LOT of the current CGI work would look better and more realistic if a Model would have been used, but alas the time and cost to build those models makes it unlikely that we will see more of them.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 3:54 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Woody
Another thing about physical models is there is a chance that you could get to see the original studio model in person. I would love to look at the 11' Enterprise in person!

Have stood next to the those Studio Models at shows:
Original TV-Series Enterprise
BattleStar Galactica
Space Viper (different scales)
Perryr Rhodan Ships
Star Wars Models (AT-AT 3 metres high, etc)
and a few others

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therriman

Member since
January 2003
From: Central MI

Posted by therriman on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:19 PM

Physical models all the way. CGI just look so.......CGI.

Tim H. "If your alone and you meet a Zero, run like hell. Your outnumbered" Capt Joe Foss, Guadalcanal 1942 Real Trucks have 18 wheels. Anything less is just a Toy! I am in shape. Hey, Round is a shape! Reality is a concept not yet proven.

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