CGI

• CGI (Computer generated imagery) is used for visual effect and exaggerates the overall film experience. CGI allows those working in film to control what is happening a lot easier than using hundreds of extras in a crowd scene, or constructing miniatures for effects. Almost every film made today will use some aspect of CGI to give their film a more in depth feel.
• CGI was first used in movies in the 1973 film Westworld. It was a science fiction movie, so it was well fitting for advanced visual effects rather than a romantic comedy. The film was based around robots living and working in every day life around humans, a popular theme for films today such as 'I Robot' starring Will Smith.
• CGI took a dramatic step throughout the 1990s and vastly improved from the 1970s films which also used wireframe imagery for 3D effect.
• Jurrasic Park directed by Steven Spielberg, revolutionised the movie industry, as it integrated dinosaurs created by CGI into live action scenes with real actors. This gave an astounding effect and made the movie almost 'come alive'.
• 
  
• In addition to this, Robert Zemeckis' oscar winning film, 'Forrest Gump' starring Tom Hanks, used CGI for more than just jaw dropping effects. It was able to place Hanks in historical footage as if he were really there, one particular scene is with him sat beside John Lennon in an interview. As well as this, CGI was used on 'Gary Sinise' to give the impression that his legs had been blown off during the Vietnam War, a shocking and realistic image.

Now, over 30 years since CGI was first introduced, practically every film will use this type of computer based technology at some point, whether it is on a large or small scale. the 2010 film 'Avatar' directed by James Cameron, took almost 48 hours per frame to create the ultimate cinematic experience using CGI.