As a movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours marveling at the magic of CGI and the tireless efforts of VFX artists, I am thrilled to see James Gunn taking the reins at DC Studios. With his commitment to treating VFX teams with the respect they deserve, he is setting a new standard in the industry that other studios should follow.
James Gunn intends to prioritize VFX artists’ wellbeing and quality of work in his DC Universe productions, compared to other studios. The director disclosed that extending the production timeline for Superman was necessary to ensure VFX teams had ample time to perfect their visual effects, rather than overwhelming them with tight deadlines. Since the groundbreaking CGI era in blockbuster films started with movies like Terminator 2: Judgement Day and Jurassic Park, there have been significant advancements. While there are still exceptional CGI characters and jaw-dropping VFX, the increasing number of VFX tasks and short lead times before a film’s release have resulted in some hastily done CGI shots and challenging working conditions. Movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Thor: Love and Thunder from Marvel Studios are recent examples of this trend.
Gunn, who has worked on Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy series and is currently leading DC Studios in the upcoming Superman reboot, recently addressed a fan query about his approach to CGI and visual effects in the DC films on Threads. In response, Gunn explained that filming for Superman was completed a year prior to its release date so that the VFX team could have ample time to work on the project without feeling rushed or pressured.
Currently, Gunn isn’t directing any other DC movies except for Superman, but he has promised that his approach will influence future DC projects such as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Here is Gunn’s statement for your reference:
“Conducting some investigation will reveal that my movies have consistently adopted an unique perspective, and I’ve always ensured ample time and respect for my VFX artist collaborators to execute their tasks effectively. This approach has resulted in exceptional VFX quality across all these films, a testament not only to my talented colleagues at Weta, Framestore, ILM, and others but also to their extraordinary skills.”
1. Here’s an explanation for why we halted production on Superman a year before release and spent months perfecting certain shots prior: it’s all part of our editing process, which starts during filming itself. I put in a lot of effort in preparation, and we only shoot finalized screenplays. The same approach is being taken with Supergirl, a series I’m not directing. I can’t express enough gratitude for the VFX artists who help us bring magic to life on screen.
DC Studios Is Taking a Different Approach to Marvel
In his work on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, Gunn showcases some of the finest Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is particularly evident in characters such as Rocket and Groot. One reason for Gunn’s deep appreciation for this art form and his ability to manage heavy CGI characters stems from his early career experiences, where he witnessed the laborious set work of the 2002 film “Scooby-Doo,” which he wrote. Notably, Scooby-Doo was a completely computer-generated character. Gunn has shared that director Raja Gosnell provided him with a practical understanding of handling CGI characters, equipping him with essential skills for projects like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad,” and now “Superman.”
The debate surrounding the role of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) in movies has gained significant attention. While some films, such as Top Gun: Maverick and Alien: Romulus, focus on emphasizing practical effects and making claims that no CGI was utilized, this can lead to undervaluing the immense effort put in by Visual Effects (VFX) artists on those very same productions.
Recently, the issue of unfair treatment towards VFX (Visual Effects) workers has garnered more attention. It’s been noticed that many high-budget films have been criticized for mistreating these workers, with Marvel Studios earning a particularly negative reputation following several artists’ accusations of poor working conditions on MCU productions. Often, directors and studio executives aren’t clear about their expectations, leading to last-minute changes and tight deadlines that leave artists exhausted, disheartened, and producing work below their capabilities due to lack of time or resources for the job.
It’s quite intriguing to compare the visual effects (VFX) of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” with that of “Superman,” as both films are slated for release next July. Interestingly, “Superman” completed filming shortly following San Diego Comic-Con, whereas the new Marvel Cinematic Universe version of “Fantastic Four” didn’t start filming until a week later. Consequently, while “Superman” is now in post-production with VFX work underway, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is only just commencing its production journey.
Superman
opens in theaters on July 11, 2025.
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2024-08-19 17:01