Computer Graphic Imagery, or CGI, is a term that covers a number of different digital technologies these days. Even simple 2D Digital Compositing and Image Processing are referred to as CGI by many, due to the platform on which it is executed. In a purest sense, however, it really refers to images that have originated in the computer, not those that have merely been manipulated by it. Specifically, objects that have been modeled, animated and rendered in a virtual environment.

Having said that, I generally use CGI as a final solution when all other solutions fail to meet the callenge. If I can get it on film, then I try to get it on film first. But when other traditional techniques won't cut it, CGI is usually a great way to get it.

Over the last 14 years, I have managed to work with many of the best CGI houses in California. From smaller boutiques, like In Sight Pix and Amalgamated Pixels, to medium sized shops like Metrolight, Xaos and Kleiser-Walczak Construction Co., all the way up to major industry powerhouses like Digital Domain, Manex, The Secret Lab, SP Imageworks and Rhythm and Hues.

Each of these places offers a unique environment based on the artists, hardware and software that reside there. No two shops are alike in that regard and individual projects may fare better at one shop or another. I maintain excellent working relationships with all the CGI houses listed above.....and a few more.

Whether it's a simple ball rollling across the floor, or a complex character animation with photo-realistic rendering, CGI is a huge tool box whose boundaries I continue to stretch and exploit. All it really takes is an accute understanding of light, motion, time and space......and lots of patience....

Oh yes, of course, money is a factor, too.....

Image #1:From the Motion Picture "Speed"- The1/8th scale Miniature is an 85' long shaft built and staged by Grant McCune Designs. Motion Controlled camera booms, with Vista Vision cameras were used to photograph the inside of the shaft.Miniature Photography and excellent CGI Wench, Cable and Compositing by Sony Pictures Imageworks.

Image #2:From the Mini-Series "Stephen King's The Shining."- 2D Imagery mapped onto 3D confetti shapes. Expertly done by VIFX (since folded into Rhythm and Hues).

Image #3:From the Motion Picture "Pushing Tin" - The SpaceCam triple Gyro-stablized camera platform, nose-mounted on a Twin-Star helicopter was used to photograph the aerial backgrounds for this and several other shots in the film. Extensive tracking in 3D and 2D was done to accurately place the aircraft into the environment. 3D aircraft and compositing brilliantly done by BlueSky/VIFX (since folded into Rhythm and Hues).

Image #4:From the Motion Picture "Face/Off."- The "Dermagrafter" is a device that grows human skin. It's not readily apparent to the average viewer, but the ear and viscous material at the surface of the liquid is actually CGI! Many painstaking hours of 3D tracking were required to place this ear into the live action machine (there were 450+ frames in this shot). Laser beams were also animated in 3D so they could react right on the surface of the "growing" ear. An amazing job, expertly done by BlueSky/VIFX (since folded into Rhythm and Hues).

Image #5:From the Motion Picture "Gone in 60 Seconds" - The '67 Mustang Shelby GT 500 was not actually capable of aerodynamic flight, so the Director and Producers asked me to help them create the illusion that the car was able to traverse 200 feet of blocked bridge in the air. A cable-cam was set up on the bridge to photograph the moving background plate. The site was surveyed and photographed in 360 degrees. Painful tracking was done on the background plate. Using BMRT as the ray-traced renderer and a multi-planed reflection environment, we were able to generate dimensional moving reflections and highlights on the car. Additional 2D work gave the highlights that extra little zip. You can just barely see him in this shot, but there's a 3D Nic Cage dummy at the wheel. Exquisite modeling, tracking, mapping, rendering and compositing by The Secret Lab.