Special Effects: The History and Technique - Hardcover

Rickitt, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823084086 ISBN 13: 9780823084081

Publisher: Billboard Books, 2007

Synopsis

An updated overview of the magical world of film special effects traces the history and evolution of motion picture special effects, from silent films' smoke and mirrors to computer-assisted, optical, and digital effects, and dissects such components as optical illusions, models, animation, and makeup and sound effects.

About this title

Review:

‘Richard Rickitt captures the essence of what inspires effects technicians to push the boundaries of creative film-making into the future.’

(Richard Taylor - Design and Effects Supervisor, Weta Workshop, winner of 5 Academy Awards for Lord o)

‘This splendid volume is a tribute to the great effects pioneers whose innovations continue to inspire new generations of artists.’

(Ray Harryhausen)

From the Publisher:

New introduction by Ray Harryhausen.

Updated history section detailing recent technical and commercial developments and key effects movies. New section on visual effects and the Academy Awards.

Increased coverage of digital compositing and digital imaging techniques including digital cinematography, the digital intermediate process and its role in the production of visual effects.

Expanded modeling section to cover the changing role of physical models and miniatures and more in-depth explanation of computer modeling techniques including physically-based modeling, photogrammetry, lidar-scanning, procedural modeling, mapping and shaders. Spotlight on films including King Kong (2005), The Aviator, Master and Commander and XXX. Interviews with John Knoll, Richard Taylor, Joel Hynek.

Updated animation chapter with increased coverage of creature modeling, rigging and animation, facial animation, motion capture, procedural animation, cloth, hair and water simulation, rigid body dynamics, crowd animation, particle systems. Expanded coverage of virtual camera and lighting techniques, global illumination, subsurface scattering, and rendering techniques. Spotlight on films including Lord of the Rings, Revenge of the Sith, Matrix Reloaded. Interviews include Phil Tippett, Joe Letteri, Dennis Muren, Rob Coleman.

Expanded make-up, sound, physical effects and matte painting chapters.

New and updated technical diagrams.

Expanded glossary with over 300 fully explained terms, both current and historical.

‘With his new book on special effects, Richard has given voice to the visual effects artist. He has captured the very essence of what inspires effects technicians the world over to challenge the artistic and technical norms, and to push the boundaries of creative film-making into the future. Richard is not only a wonderful author but also an enthusiast excited by the history and ongoing developments of this incredible industry. His book is a wonderful testament to the passion and enthusiasm of a unique breed of film-makers.’ - Richard Taylor, Design and Effects Supervisor, Weta Workshop, Winner of 5 Academy Awards for Lord of the Rings and King Kong.

About this edition

• Publisher: Billboard Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0823084086
• ISBN 13: 9780823084081
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 384