The Use of Real LEGO in LEGO Movies

When one thinks of LEGO movies, the question often arises: do they use real LEGO bricks for animation? The answer is a nuanced one, as both traditional stop-motion techniques and modern CGI have played significant roles in bringing these beloved characters to life.

Stop-Motion Techniques and Real LEGO Bricks

For the first The LEGO Movie, and to a lesser extent in The LEGO Movie 2, actual LEGO bricks were used extensively. The animation process involved stop-motion techniques, where physical LEGO pieces were manipulated and photographed frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. This method gave the films an authentic LEGO aesthetic, contributing to their charm and appeal.

Combining Traditional Stop-Motion and CGI

While real LEGO bricks were used, the films also incorporated CGI to enhance the visuals, create complex scenes, and integrate special effects. This combination allowed for a unique visual style that mimics the look and feel of LEGO while taking advantage of the flexibility that CGI provides.

Previous LEGO Animations and Challenges

Previous LEGO animations, such as The LEGO Batman Movie, The LEGO Ninjago Movie, and The LEGO Movie, had different challenges. They often struggled to render LEGO elements in a realistic manner, leading to non-realistic bends and the use of unbricked components like railings and clouds. However, newer attempts, particularly in the films directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, aimed to look more like real LEGO pieces.

Real LEGO Bricks in Specific Scenes

The deciding factor in the inclusion of real LEGO bricks was the need for live-action scenes. For example, in The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Movie 2, actual LEGO pieces were used for scenes that featured real models. Furthermore, the end-credits sequence in The LEGO Movie was filmed using stop-motion and real bricks, adding authenticity to these sequences.

Another interesting use of real LEGO bricks is mentioned by Marj Schlake, where fan-submitted content was incorporated into the background. Brief glimpses of real LEGO bricks can be seen on several security screens when chaos is breaking out towards the end of the movie.

These details highlight the creative process behind bringing LEGO movies to life, emphasizing both the use of traditional stop-motion techniques and the modern advances in CGI. By combining these methods, the filmmakers have been able to create a unique and visually appealing series of films that both honor the LEGO brand and push the boundaries of animation technology.

Conclusion

The use of real LEGO bricks in LEGO movies is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the filmmaking team. Whether through stop-motion techniques or CGI, these films offer a special combination that brings the joy and magic of LEGO to life on the big screen. Fans of the LEGO brand can appreciate both the authenticity and the inventive use of technology in these beloved films.