Real Vehicles vs. CGI: The Role of Authenticity in Period Films and TV Shows

Period movies and TV shows often feature vehicles that transport audiences to another era. These scenes are a blend of real vehicles from the specified time period and the powerful imagery generated through computer-generated imagery (CGI). The choice between authentic vehicles and CGI depends on several factors, including budget, production goals, and the specific requirements of the story.

Real Vehicles: Enhancing Authenticity

Many productions strive for authenticity and opt for actual vintage vehicles. This approach is particularly common in films and series with significant budgets that can source or restore period-appropriate vehicles, such as cars, trains, or other modes of transportation. Using real vehicles significantly enhances the visual authenticity and elevates the overall production quality.

By incorporating these historically accurate vehicles, directors and producers can transport viewers back in time, providing an immersive experience that feels true to the era. For example, the BBC series The Crown is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, from the costumes to the vehicles. The show's use of genuine vintage cars contributes to the film's historical accuracy and viewers' suspension of disbelief.

CGI: Filling Gaps and Enhancing Action

While real vehicles serve as the backbone of many scenes, CGI is necessary in some cases. CGI can be employed to create vehicles that were either too expensive or impractical to use physically. This is particularly useful for depicting vehicles in action, such as crashes or stunts, or during historical events that are challenging to recreate with real vehicles.

One notable example is the use of CGI in the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The producers needed to create a visually stunning representation of a vintage car chase that would not be feasible with real vehicles. The CGI allowed for more dynamic and daring sequences, enhancing the story's intensity and excitement.

Combination of Real Vehicles and CGI

Many productions employ a combination of both methods to strike the perfect balance between authenticity and visual storytelling. For instance, real vehicles might be used for close-up shots or scenes where authenticity is crucial, while CGI can fill in for background vehicles or more complex action sequences.

A film like Mad Max: Fury Road is a great example. The film features stunning post-apocalyptic vehicles that are both visually striking and physically practical. The filmmakers used a combination of real vehicles and CGI to enhance the action and create a believable and immersive world.

Economic Considerations and Collectors

While authenticity is important, economic considerations often play a role in the choice between real vehicles and CGI. Collectors of vehicles from different eras are a significant resource for filmmakers. Many of the old vehicles seen in movies are either borrowed from collectors or museums, which is a cost-effective alternative to recreating these vehicles through CGI.

Using real vehicles can be significantly cheaper than duplication via CGI. However, when the rental period car has to be bullet-riddled or explode, CGI becomes necessary. While readily-available programs can be added, not all CGI effects look convincing. An unfortunate example is the explosion scene of Sheriff Shelby’s car in Season 4 of Justified, which was particularly ineffective.

To create more convincing effects, filmmakers may rely on advanced CGI techniques, such as those used in the film Avengers: Endgame. The explosion of the Tesseract device in the final battle scene is a testament to the quality of modern CGI, showcasing a realistic and awe-inspiring visual effect.

Practical Effects and Micro-History

Practical effects, such as miniatures or models, are another useful tool in supplementing CGI and real vehicles. These effects enable filmmakers to achieve specific visual effects without relying solely on CGI. For example, in the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the car chase scenes were enhanced with practical effects, providing a blend of authenticity and modern visual storytelling.

Micro-historical accuracy is also a vital aspect of period films and TV shows. By carefully selecting and restoring vintage vehicles, filmmakers can ensure that the details resonate with the historical context, contributing to the overall authenticity of the production.

The choice between real vehicles and CGI is a complex decision that depends on the production's budget, goals, and the specific requirements of the story being told. While authentic vehicles provide a sense of authenticity, CGI offers flexibility and the ability to create unforgettable visual effects.

Conclusion

Period movies and TV shows rely on a combination of real vehicles and CGI to transport viewers to another era. By carefully considering the use of both methods, filmmakers can achieve a balance that enhances the overall authenticity and visual quality of their productions. Whether through the use of genuine vintage vehicles or advanced CGI techniques, the goal remains to create a believable and immersive experience for the audience.

Keywords: period movies, CGI, real vehicles, authenticity, budget

Further Reading:

The Crown: Behind the Scenes Mad Max: Fury Road: Production Design Avengers: Endgame: Visual Effects