Choosing between practical effects and CGI in film production can be a challenging decision that depends on various factors, such as budget, time, genre, and artistic vision. In this article, you will learn some of the pros and cons of both methods, as well as some tips on how to balance them effectively.
Practical effects are any physical or mechanical elements that are created and manipulated on set or in a studio, such as props, models, makeup, costumes, pyrotechnics, or animatronics. CGI, or computer-generated imagery, is any visual effect that is created and edited digitally, such as 3D animation, motion capture, compositing, or matte painting.
In my humble opinion, it would make sense to use both. Oftentimes a director might want to present an idea or convey an emotion through the use of fantasy and illusion. If the CGI seems too phony, the use of CGI might be too much of a distraction and take the audience member out of the story. On the other hand without the use of CGI, a practical affect might not be able to correctly convey a particular emotional tone, story element or concept.
Practical effects can offer several benefits for film production, such as creating a more realistic and immersive experience for the actors and the audience, as they can interact with tangible objects and environments. Practical effects can also enhance the aesthetic and style of certain genres, such as horror, sci-fi, or fantasy, by adding a sense of grittiness, nostalgia, or wonder. Additionally, practical effects can reduce the need for post-production work, as they are captured in-camera and do not require extensive editing or rendering.
To me, nothing beats practical effects… even if they look phony. Everyone remembers the face of a Nazi melting off in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, which looked like a novelty candle. Nobody fondly remembers any specific CGI effects from the latest Marvel movie, however enjoyable. The artistry is in the process, which is the most creative part of doing physical effects. CGI is a process of its own and that unfortunately changes very little from modeling to animation to lighting and has to its detriment (IMO) become way too refined. When it comes down to brass tacks, I much prefer a memorable effect over one that blends in with what you may expect something to look like.
However, practical effects also have some drawbacks. For instance, they can be expensive and time-consuming to design, build, transport, and operate, particularly for large-scale or intricate scenes. They can also present safety and environmental risks, as they may involve explosives, fire, smoke, chemicals, or animals. Additionally, they can be hard to modify or repair, as they might necessitate reshooting or rebuilding.
As a VFX supervisor, I always encourage people to shoot everything that can be shot. NOTHING beats reality. At their best, VFX and SFX form a symbiosis where one enhances the other.
CGI can offer several advantages for film production, such as providing a more flexible and creative range of possibilities, as any image or effect that the script or director requires can be generated regardless of physical limitations. It can also save money and time in some cases by replacing or enhancing practical effects that are too expensive, dangerous, or impractical to achieve. Furthermore, CGI can improve the quality and consistency of the final product by correcting or adjusting any errors or flaws that may occur during filming or editing.
However, CGI also has some drawbacks. For instance, they can create a more artificial and detached experience for the actors and audience due to green screens, motion capture suits, or digital doubles that lack the texture and emotion of real objects and environments. Additionally, CGI can diminish the aesthetic and style of certain genres such as drama, comedy, or documentary by adding a sense of glossiness, exaggeration, or manipulation. Lastly, they can increase the need for post-production work since they require skilled artists, software, hardware, and time to create and render.
When choosing between practical effects and CGI for film production, there is no definitive answer as each project has its own specific needs and goals. However, some tips to help balance them effectively include considering the genre, tone, and theme of your film and how each method can support or contrast them. Additionally, you should look at the budget, time, and resources available for your film as well as the audience's expectations and preferences to see how each method can optimize or surprise them. Finally, you should consider the artistic vision and collaboration of your film to understand how each method can express or enhance them.