27/07/2019
Spike Jonze's Apple commercial is quite famous, and I bumped into it again yesterday and found myself thinking about the thought process of something so practical effects heavy. So here are the pros and cons of approaching such a concept with practical effects...
• • • • • •
The pros:.
1 - The camera is free to move without concerns of motion tracking digital effects..
2 - Talent is able to react to the spectacle of the effects in real time..
3 - Post-production time is substantially diminished..
4 - Less interference is possible from the client due to reduced time and importance of post..
5 - Practical effects are harder to imitate without hiring the original crew who made them..
6 - The practical effects are inherently more timeless and unique due to their real-world imperfections..
7- Iteration and adaptation of the concept are easier due to a tighter loop of feedback..
8 - The more basic effects (like telescoping of the table and papers) are simply easier as practical effects than VFX..
9 - You have more fun on set..
10 - You have better bragging rights..
The cons:.
1 - You’re forced to obey the laws of physics..
2 - Specialists with the necessary expertise are harder to find and more localized than their post-production counterparts..
3 - Practical effects necessitate a larger and better-organized crew..
4 - The risk of major setbacks is higher due to a greater concentration of time, people, energy and money on set in principle photography..
5 - You’re more locked into the final look of the effect..
6 - Total cost is probably higher. .
The most compelling point within this list is pros #5. The simple sad fact is that if you execute a fantastic digital effect chances are you will be imitated by other people trying to replicate it for cheaper. But, if it’s all practical effects you stand a higher chance of getting the call to repeat your own work from new clients. Clients tend to see VFX as a magic trick, and practical effects as true magic.
