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Warning to Visual Effects Aspirations for 'Star Wars Episode VII'

posted 10 years ago by jmillerdp
2 replies | jump to latest

For those wanting practical (as opposed to CGI) effects in "Star Wars Episode VII." Please watch just the first few minutes of "Stranded." You will wonder if going practical is a good idea!

The cheapness of the model shots at the beginning of "Stranded" alone should make you think twice about wanting models and matte paintings for the next "Star Wars!"

Yes, I am being snarky! Because of course the effects folks on "Star Wars" would have tons more money and talent. But, when I saw those models at the beginning, I thought of the line from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail": "It's just a model!"

"I. Drink. Your. Milkshake! [slurp!] I DRINK IT UP!" - Daniel Plainview - "There Will Be Blood"

[–] NukeDude2 10 years ago

I agree, they looked about 3" tall.

[–] Jigsaw737 9 years ago

Yeah, they built the models way too small in order to make the meteorite impacts pop. The solar towers looked like empty toilet paper rolls that they painted black and then put some black cardboard squares with tin foil on it. Also, the camera angles looking down on the models didn't help convey any sense of big size either. Neither did lighting the set with a single bulb work light from Home Depot. I love practical effects, but not like this...

Well, at least the model work is consistent with the quality of the rest of the movie. Some amateur films on Youtube are better made than this.

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