Movie Magic

When a scene in a movie requires a set or location that is impossible to build or find a matte painting is used. The closing scene in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was done with a matte painting. The storage area full of crates is a painting - only the man pushing the cart is real.

The models used in movies are much more complex and detailed than the ones found in hobby stores. Movie models may contain lights(often fiber optics) and miniature motors to make them more believable. Complicated models may even have their own air conditioning systems. Without them, they would melt from the internal heat of their own electrical systems and the intense stage lighting.

One problem with miniature photography is that miniature models that move or blow up don't look real when filmed at normal camera speeds. Films are projected in theaters at a rate of 24 frames per second. If a scene is filmed at twice that speed(48 frames per second) the action will appear to take twice as long when it is played back at the standard rate. This gives the illusion of more mass and size. The mathematical scaling formula, 24*(D/d)^1/2=f, where D is the dimension in feet of the real object, d is the dimension of the miniature, and f is the number of frames per second tells filmmakers how to adjust their camera speeds to achieve a realistic effect.

For More Movie Magic...

Special Effects Activities related to the Special Effects 2 exhibit and IMAX film for elementary and middle school students.

Cinefex Magazine - a magazine all about special effects.

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The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.

This page was created on 03/15/96

Last updated 04/13/97