Horizon Season 1998 Episode 9 The Computer that Ate Hollywood

In the Horizon season 1998 episode 9 titled "The Computer that Ate Hollywood," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the impact of computer-generated visual effects on the film industry.

The episode begins with a brief history of special effects in movies, from traditional techniques like animatronics to the revolutionary computer-generated effects of films like Jurassic Park. Viewers are then introduced to the concept of "digital actors," computer-generated characters that look and act like real humans.

The episode then delves into the technical aspects of creating these digital actors, including motion capture technology and the use of complex algorithms to generate realistic movements and expressions. Viewers are given a sneak peek into the process of creating a digital actor, including a demonstration by animators and actors working together to capture realistic motion.

The impact of digital actors on the film industry is explored in-depth. The episode features interviews with filmmakers, VFX artists, and other industry insiders who discuss the ways in which digital actors have changed the way films are made. Digital actors have enabled filmmakers to create mind-bending scenes that would have been impossible with traditional special effects, opening up new creative avenues for filmmakers.

However, there are also concerns about the impact of digital actors on the film industry. Many worry that digital actors will replace human actors, leading to job loss and a decline in the quality of acting in movies. There are also ethical concerns about using digital actors to recreate deceased actors in films.

The episode also explores the future of digital actors and the use of AI in filmmaking. Viewers are introduced to an AI program that is able to create a realistic digital actor with minimal input from humans. The potential applications of AI in filmmaking are vast, from generating entire films to fine-tuning digital actors in post-production.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of digital actors in action, and are given a behind-the-scenes look at how they are created. The complex technical aspects of creating digital actors are explained in a way that is accessible to non-experts.

Overall, "The Computer that Ate Hollywood" is a fascinating exploration of the ways in which technology is changing the film industry. Through stunning visuals and insightful interviews, viewers are taken on a journey through the past, present, and future of special effects in movies. Whether you're a film buff or a tech enthusiast, this episode is not to be missed.