The Technology Behind Stunning Scenes: What is CGI?
From the silver screen to video games, the captivating visual worlds we encounter in every corner of the entertainment industry are technological marvels!
In this article, we will talk about CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), the technology that brings to life the impressive visual effects and realistic scenes we admire.
As a company with a large CGI team, we know that the world is undergoing a transformation where visual elements are increasingly important. As you know, just like in all our work, we focus on projects that represent the future in the CGI field.
While designing the future, we benefit greatly from this technology, challenging our limits every day and exploring brand new visual worlds.
Certainly, some are familiar with it, but generally, what is CGI?
“Computer-generated imagery, or CGI, is a computer graphics application that allows visual creation. It is used in art, print media, video games, films, television programs, commercials, videos, and simulators to create visuals.”
In general, this is how CGI technology is described in the dictionary. However, CGI has a structure that can be better explained with visuals. Why are we specifically talking about images produced on computers?
We know that what we see in superhero movies, where characters leap from building to building, massive explosions, giant dinosaurs, and tidal waves surpassing skyscrapers, is not real and cannot be real. Yet, when we watch these scenes, we cannot hide our admiration or satisfy our curiosity. :) While watching, we say, “Wow, technology has come a long way, how do they create such scenes?” All the effort behind these effects belongs to CGI technology. In fact, we are always influenced by its products in those scenes.
How did we get to know CGI?
Emerging in 1973 with the inclusion of simple 2D graphics in films, CGI was further developed as computer hardware levels increased. In 2001, the first CGI scene with artificial intelligence-powered movement was seen in Peter Jackson’s film “The Lord of the Rings.
CGI technology, which gained more attention with films like Avatar and Avengers, gradually brought us closer to this visual production technology.
What are the terms you will hear where CGI is involved?
Stages such as VFX (visual effects), 3D modeling, animation, rigging, organic modeling, solid modeling, and 3D simulation create important details in scenes produced with CGI technology. A realistic environment and scene design created by a concept designer are prepared by Environment Design experts. After characters are prepared by modelers, they go to the Rigging Specialist to become ready for movement. After this stage, the animation team comes into play, followed by VFX experts who bring the editing to life with visual effects. Finally, the post-production team transforms it into memorable scenes. Of course, there are many talents and details involved in this process that we cannot convey with words here. :)
This exciting and quite challenging journey in CGI visual production, from modeling to animation, from impressive visual effects adjustments to the final post-production part, offers striking technological products to the world.
