The podcast discusses the stigma of CGi in Hollywood and the preference for doing things 'for real'. They explore the purpose and challenges of visual effects in storytelling and the struggles of reconciling personal opinions with reacting on the show. They also discuss the perception of CGI in movies, using examples from Gladiator and Lord of the Rings, and the desire for a revival of 90s-style entertaining films in Hollywood.
CGI in movies is often stigmatized and associated with soulless media, despite the technical achievements and effort put into creating visual effects.
Advancements in CGI technology have led to it being taken for granted, with viewers often failing to appreciate the complexity and artistry involved.
Appreciation and gratitude towards visual effects artists are crucial for a positive work environment and better results in the final product.
Deep dives
The Perception of CGI
The discussion revolves around the negative perception of CGI in movies and how it is often associated with soulless media. The hosts acknowledge the technical achievements and the amount of work that goes into creating visual effects, but recognize that viewers often overlook that and dismiss CGI as not being real. They highlight examples of movies with CGI that are still enjoyable and captivating, proving that the perception of "bad CGI" is often tied to the overall quality of the film and storytelling. They discuss the importance of caring and investing in projects, as well as the impact of positive leadership and appreciation on set.
The Impact of CGI Advancements
The hosts reflect on the significant advancements in CGI technology over the past 15 years and how it has resulted in breathtaking visual effects that were unimaginable decades ago. However, they suggest that the mastery of CGI has also led to it being taken for granted. Viewers have become accustomed to seeing extraordinary CGI, such as city destruction in superhero movies, without fully appreciating the complexity and artistry involved. The hosts encourage a better understanding and recognition of the skill and effort put into creating CGI effects.
The Importance of Appreciation
The hosts emphasize the significance of appreciation and gratitude in the film industry, particularly towards visual effects artists. They share personal experiences of feeling underappreciated on set and discuss the positive impact of directors and artists expressing genuine gratitude. They believe that making the crew feel valued contributes to a more positive and motivated work environment, ultimately leading to better results in the final product.
The Importance of Critiquing Visual Effects
The podcast episode delves into the significance of critiquing visual effects in movies and shows. It discusses the difficulty of balancing appreciation for the effort and talent behind visual effects with acknowledging subpar results. The hosts emphasize the need for honest criticism, highlighting that the final product is what matters to audiences. They explore how visual effects often compensate for shortcomings in other aspects of filmmaking, such as storytelling or acting. The episode urges the film industry to prioritize matching the budget to the impact and reach of the audience.
The Evolution of Hollywood
The podcast touches on the changes and challenges in the film industry. It considers the cyclical nature of trends and the current state of Hollywood, focusing on the saturation of franchises and lack of originality. The hosts express the desire for a revitalization of filmmaking, where budgets are aligned with audience expectations and creative vision is prioritized. They also discuss the potential impact of labor strikes and how it could lead to a shift in the industry. Ultimately, they ponder the future of cinema and the need for fresh ideas and approaches.