Rise Of The Silver Surfer: Teaser Trailer...

[kodiakthejuggler]

For the Matrix sequels, even though the CG characters did suck(big time), they were in The Matrix, so an argument can be put forth that the "human" look of the characters begins to diminish once they are able to manipulate the Matrix, and can do those things that ordinary humans can't do in real life.

You can make the same argument for the Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, or the Hulk. They're not human, not really, so they can move in ways humans can't. Spidey's far more flexible and agile than any human, the Surfer is pretty much liquid metal like the T-1000. You could argue Hulk is still restricted to human movements, I haven't really given it much thought. In fact, if you're using CGI to create a character, then it's probably not a human anyway, or else you'd have a human play the part.

The problem isn't so much with motion as it is with texture and light reflections.  They've gotten the motion down pretty well, because they have developed ways to capture motion.  But you can't see every pore on the person's face, because they don't exist.  You might argue that you can't see every pore on real actors faces either, but you can see the effect of every pour and every strand of hair has on the light.  They've come up with a bunch of tricks to mimic it, but the light that falls on the cgi is still fake, and only an interpretation of what it would actually do.  That seems to be the only reason to go with models over cgi.  But models just aren't practical in all situations. 

I think they nailed the texture and natural reflectivity of Gollum's skin quite well. He didn't seem to be separate from the background as much as other CG characters.

[Variety of Cells]

I don't disagree.  He was great.  There was still an air of cartooniness, but I think that came mostly from his facial features.  Though when your budget is less than the lotr, which statistically it's going to be, then it is still really hard to achieve that, and models or puppets may still be an option. 

[Teaflax]

I'm a thousand times more excited about this FF movie than I was about the first one.

Unfortunately, 1000 x 0 = 0.

[PsypherPunk]

Though when your budget is less than the lotr, which statistically it's going to be, then it is still really hard to achieve that, and models or puppets may still be an option. 

The first Fantastic Four film cost $100m. Each of the Lord of the Rings films cost less than that (and run for nearly twice as long).

Compare that to Spiderman 3 which will be what, 2 hours long and reportedly cost $250m to make (almost as much as the ~12hour LotR trilogy combined)?

[Sharktopus]

For the Matrix sequels, even though the CG characters did suck(big time), they were in The Matrix, so an argument can be put forth that the "human" look of the characters begins to diminish once they are able to manipulate the Matrix, and can do those things that ordinary humans can't do in real life.

You can make the same argument for the Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, or the Hulk. They're not human, not really, so they can move in ways humans can't. Spidey's far more flexible and agile than any human, the Surfer is pretty much liquid metal like the T-1000. You could argue Hulk is still restricted to human movements, I haven't really given it much thought. In fact, if you're using CGI to create a character, then it's probably not a human anyway, or else you'd have a human play the part.

The problem isn't so much with motion as it is with texture and light reflections.  They've gotten the motion down pretty well, because they have developed ways to capture motion.  But you can't see every pore on the person's face, because they don't exist.  You might argue that you can't see every pore on real actors faces either, but you can see the effect of every pour and every strand of hair has on the light.  They've come up with a bunch of tricks to mimic it, but the light that falls on the cgi is still fake, and only an interpretation of what it would actually do.  That seems to be the only reason to go with models over cgi.  But models just aren't practical in all situations. 

You're absolutely right except for one thing - the Silver Surfer doesn't have pores, hair, or skin oils. He should look like he's made of mercury, so I think his movement is more important than his surface texture. As long as he's reflecting from opposite the light source, he should look okay.

[Minnesota]

Though when your budget is less than the lotr, which statistically it's going to be, then it is still really hard to achieve that, and models or puppets may still be an option. 

The first Fantastic Four film cost $100m. Each of the Lord of the Rings films cost less than that (and run for nearly twice as long).

Compare that to Spiderman 3 which will be what, 2 hours long and reportedly cost $250m to make (almost as much as the ~12hour LotR trilogy combined)?

Didn't realize lotr was made for under 100mill each, very surprising considering the actors and technology and Peter jacksons greed (does that count as expence he made at least 250 million himself)

[mrbasehart]

Didn't realize lotr was made for under 100mill each, very surprising considering the actors and technology and Peter jacksons greed (does that count as expence he made at least 250 million himself)

If someone offered a quarter of a billion dollars to make three films I'd wanted to make my entire life, I'd certainly take it.

[Minnesota]

Shaye continued, "He got a quarter of a billion dollars paid to him so far, justifiably, according to contract, completely right, and this guy, who already has received a quarter of a billion dollars, turns around without wanting to have a discussion with us and sues us and refuses to discuss it unless we just give in to his plan. I don't want to work with that guy anymore. Why would I? So the answer is he will never make any movie with New Line Cinema again while I'm still working for the company."

here's the latest quote from the new line exec. who recently "banned" peter jackson from making the hobbit.

its a recent article, go here if your still intersted in the hobbit

http://movies.ign.com/articles/754/754322p1.html

[mrbasehart]

I can quote too! 

From the imdb:

"Jackson quickly fired back that he had tried to discuss the issues with New Line "for over a year, but the studio was and continues to be completely uncooperative."

Sure, 250 million dollars is a ridiculous sum of money, but if someone offered me that amount, I wouldn't think "You know, I don't want that much, I'll let you and your gigantic corporation keep most of it."

Now whether that amount of money has somehow made Peter Jackson feel he can hold film studios to ransom for his talent, I don't know, but you can't criticise the guy for earning the money that was stipulated in his contract.

[J-Proof]

What a bunch of princesses in Hollywood.....

Now, I'm not on the inside of that circle, so I don't know what's going on in its entirety (nor does anyone on this board) but it seems like Peter Jackson is accusing them for the exact same thing that they are accusing him of: Not negotiating. It's sad to see such a successful franchise go through such a mess. From what I understand, Jackson did what he was legally entitled to do when he audited the receipts, and New Line is whining about it.

I can't wait to see where this ends up tho ^_^
I wonder who will be directing this thing in the end....

[BathTub]

On of the major points of filming it here in NZ was that the money doubles, so your theoretical budget of 250 Million is actually 500 Million here. Exchange rate has changed now though, probably due to the weakening of the US dollar more than the strengthening of the NZ dollar. I just don't get where the 'greedy' comment comes from.  The movie makes 3 Billion dollars, and Greedy Pete (which in reality would be Pete, his Wife and Phillipa Boyens) get 250 million, which would have been from his contract, is that US or NZ? Oh no the poor studio is left with 2.5 Billion dollars, damn that Greedy Pete!

[BathTub]

Besides who here doesn't know about Hollywood accounting?

[Minnesota]

I know that I might be in the minority here but I dont think he deserves THAT much money UNLESS he financed the picture himself. To me its the same as these spoiled sports stars that make ungodly amounts of money... all it means for us normal people is more expensive tickets (maybe you like paying 12 dollars for a movie ticket but I dont! same goes for sports)

[J-Proof]

Yeah I don't know if this all goes to "Pete" persay.... it might go to WETA as well since WETA is Jackson's baby. I don't know really.

On the bright side, it looks like IGN agrees with me - Ridley Scott would be a great director for any prequels to the LOTR trilogy!

[gammer]

Ridley Scott would be a great director for any prequels to the LOTR trilogy!

Have you looked at what he is working on now?
He's a busy lad, that Ridley Scott.