Filmmaking / Directing : Question for 2024 - Practical VS CGI by Mario Leone

It's a great question and I don't think there is a rule of thumb. As someone who wears the VFX supervisor hat from time to time there are some guiding principles as I make heavy use of both practical and CGI effects. I don't see it a "verses" but which tool is better for the time, shot and better at telling the story. For me the decision making comes down to, which effect will best keep the audience in the story and add to tone/action/emotion. Often that comes down more to execution and design than tools. That being said, any effect that involves camera movement and light is best considered first as a practical effect as recreating and handling this in post is expensive and challenging. I have a personal love of great in-camera practical effects in classic and current films. But CGI opens opportunities that are impossible to execute well. The bottom line is I feel we have to work hard to make sure we understand the breadth and depth of both classic practical and new CGI techniques, especially some of the AI driven techniques.

Excellent response Stephen. Couldn't have said it better, mate.

Thanks for the question, Mario Leone, and thanks for the answer, Stephen V. Stone! This was super enlightening to me

I can tell you from a bad experience I was given to fix: 20 minutes and $5 worth of make-up would have saved us 2 weeks and $5,000 to create CG post-fight VFX!!! I'lll use CGI for my next film, but it willl be for things that can't be replicated on set.

Mario Leone, It's a great question for me to start the new year! The comments are certainly on point. The subject has been brought forward before on stage 32, with excellent results! A combination of both is used at the highest levels in the industry, with the best of details in "practical effects", to get maximum results! Best!

Stephen did a great job answering this. I just wanted to expand on the topic since I am a VFX Supervisor. I would say never make these decisions in a void. I always work with the director, DP, stunt coordinator and SFX Supervisor to find the best solution for any given shot. I will often push for practical solutions if I think that is the best tool. Often times, it will end up being a combination of multiple disciplines. It's always about what's best for the story.

Bud Myrick great thoughts and nice to see a full VFX supervisor here!

VFX can be expensive, and new directors might struggle with managing VFX budgets effectively. Balancing creative aspirations with financial limitations can be challenging. What do you feel most new Directors struggle with? Stephen V. Stone

Bud Myrick What do you feel has been that pain point for the above question?

Mario Leone Great question. I've worked with several new directors and certainly often lose sight of story amidst the VFX talk and planning e.g. maybe they don't even need that scene. Also, the impact of VFX including the need to hire a VFX Supervisor like @Bud Myrick early in pre-production to help with these issues.

Excellent advice, Bud Myrick.

Mario Leone , I recently worked with a friend of mine Michael Greenspan) on his short film Seat 23B. We did a presentation at the Simi Valley Film Festival about VFX on an Indi budget. He was able to create an award-winning film on an extremely tight budget. That was possible because I was the first person he reached out to in the pre-production phase. It is all about planning and specificity. He and his producer were very organized, and they reached out to over seas vendors to do most of the work.

Bud Myrick Do you feel sometimes things fall on Deaf ears with Directors?

Mario Leone , not with the directors that I have worked with. I've been fortunate to work with very collaborative directors in my career. They understand that I am there to help them achieve their vision. Now, sometimes producers can create financial hurdles that we have to find creative solutions for. I also direct some myself, so usually they feel confident that I understand their goals.