# Digital Media Concepts/CGI

CGI
Definition: Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, shorts, commercials, and stimulators.

## How CGI Works?

CGI is created by visual artists also called 3Dartists using various painting/ modeling/ animating and compositing tools. CGI comes in many forms, set extensions, CG characters, CG environments and CG augments. CG goes through multiple stages depending upon the complexity of the shot. CGI is mostly used often in Hollywood in these days and in some ways of a majority blockbuster. Computer-generated imagery used computer graphics of a three-dimensional images and special effects in both live-action and animation with film and television. 3D is used in models. 3D modeling software is a class of 3D computer graphics software used to produce 3D models. Individual programs of this class are called modeling applications.
Computer-generated imagery is often used with motion capture that comes with CGI and animation. Motion capture can catch the underlying movement of facial muscles and better replicate with visual effects.

## What is VFX?

Visual effects (Visual FX or VFX) is the term used to describe any imagery created, altered or enhanced for a film or other moving media that cannot be accomplished during live-action shooting. CGI is used for visual effects because the quality is often higher and effects are more physically based processes, such as constructing miniatures for effects shots or hiring extras for crowd scenes, and because it allows the creation of images that would not be feasible using any other technology.
Visual effects is the digital manipulation by combining two more of live action footages, or created entirely of computer generated images (CGI), and even sometimes by combining both live action footage with CGI to achieve the desired realistic environment. CGI is part of VFX. Visual effects encompass any kind of effect that wasn’t shot directly in the camera and was created in post production. CGI and VFX combining with the perfect harmony with post-production in any films.
"I once said that CGI makes you less inventive. At the time I was bemoaning the loss of the practical stunt. If the stunt can be done practically and safely, I rather do it old-style." - Steven Spielberg https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/steven_spielberg_584087

## Films

CGI that created effects in films are Sony Pictures Imageworks, Technicolor VFX, Moving Picture Company, Digital Domain, and Rise Visual Effects Studios. CGI most technology is 3D. 3D computer graphics are used for creating scenes or special effects in films and television.
The first movie to used computer-generated imagery was Michael Crichton’s "Westworld film" in 1973. A few years later, George Lucas used CGI in 1977’s “"Star Wars film". Michael Crichton raised to the next level and brought popularity to his 1993 film, “"Jurassic Park". The movie used a mix of real actors and CGI to bring dinosaurs to life alongside the actors.
The first fully computer-generated animated film was “Toy_Story” in 1995. The CGI effects used in this film brought toys to life and made the humans in the film seem real. Not every movie makes good use of CGI. Other movies and television shows are involved. Movies that included are "Avatar", "The Lord of the Rings (film series)","The Matrix", "Inception", and "Finding Nemo" . Popular television shows that have used CGI includes "The Walking Dead (TV series)" and "Doctor Who" .
https://greenlightpix.com/blog/cgi-what-is-it-how-does-it-work/

## External Links

http://www.hollywoodlexicon.com/cgi.html