Ep 1. What 2018's Biggest Movies Looked Like Before CGI

In the first episode of season 2 of Movie Magic, titled "What 2018's Biggest Movies Looked Like Before CGI," we take a closer look at the behind-the-scenes process of some of the biggest blockbusters of 2018. The episode begins by giving us an overview of the importance of CGI in modern-day filmmaking and how it has transformed the way we watch movies.

We then get to see some of the most popular movies of 2018, such as Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, and Aquaman, and their parts that were created without any CGI. The show reveals that even with hundreds of millions of dollars, top-of-the-line technology, and some of the best and most experienced talent in Hollywood, some parts of these movies were still created with practical effects.

Throughout the episode, the crew of Movie Magic takes us through each movie's unique practical effects and how they were accomplished. For instance, we learn that Black Panther costume designer Ruth E. Carter created a group of the Wakandan's traditional fighters known as the Dora Milaje out of real-life African wax prints. We see firsthand the intricate and time-consuming process of making the garments by hand, each with its own personal touch to make it unique.

We also get an in-depth look at the effort that went into producing the terrifying creatures of A Quiet Place. The movie required that the cast members go through extensive training to portray the creatures accurately, and the show reveals the behind-the-scenes clips from the training sessions. We see how the special effects team came up with the blueprint of the creatures before starting the task of designing the creatures’ look to get them just right for the camera.

The episode then goes on to discuss how practical effects were used to create a unique world for Aquaman, who spends most of his time underwater. The team that worked on the movie had to create a physical set, which resembled an enormous glass tank full of water, to shoot the underwater scenes. But that was only half the battle. The team also had to design the characters to look like they were really in the water, to show the natural reactions when the characters interacted with their CGI-created environments.

The show ends with a message on how practical effects can enhance movies and leave a lasting impact on its audience. Even though CGI often gets all the attention, practical effects remain an essential part of filmmaking. They help directors create an immersive world and maintain a sense of realism that couldn't be achieved with CGI alone.

Overall, the first episode of season 2 of Movie Magic is a fascinating look at the extraordinary process that goes into practical effects, the often-overlooked aspect of filmmaking. It offers compelling insights into what goes on behind the scenes to bring the visual effects to life and how they meld into the final result which audiences get to see in the theaters.