
| In this sentimental drama, Matte World Digital helped take the audience back to the 1950s. |
At the opening of the film, a series of
hand-tinted postcards fall in slow-motion through the frame.
The last card (actually a CG object created by MWD) lands on
a table, and as the camera pushes into it, the scene on the
card comes to life. |
The scene is Grauman's Chinese Theater in the early '50s. Period cars
were photographed in front of the theater in the present day, using a steadicam
which crosses the street in a continuation of the camera motion established on
the postcard.
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The present-day theater has modern signs
and marquees, so MWD created a 3D matte painting to replace
the upper part of the building with a version restored to its
'50s appearance. Also created as a 3D object, a classic Hollywood
Red Car drives through the scene. Actors shot on a stage are
placed into the CG trolley. |
To complete the scene, spotlight and neon sign animations
are added. The camera continues across the street, where
there is a hidden transition to a second steadicam angle,
which takes the audience through the theater lobby and
introduces the film's narrator and main character. |
Period cars were also photographed at the entrance to a Hollywood studio lot. |
The digital matte painting establishes
a studio gate in Hollywood's "Golden Age." Subtle touches include
animated car reflections in the brushed metal columns and shadows
from the sign laticework falling on the cars as they pass. |
Actors were filmed walking near the California coast. |
MWD modified the bluffs to make a more idyllic setting for
the characters' romantic stroll |
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