CGI or Computer Generated Images start on paper, with storyboards and designs of the model or effects to be created. This happens before the artist considers sitting at a computer. Digital Effects are so time comsuming, the costs can soon start to spiral out of control if desisions are not made before hand.

3D applications such as Lightwave, Maya, 3DS MAX, and Softimage are commonly used to model and create the character or 3D object whether it be a car, monster, plane or Dinosaur. Then you can animate the model through traditional "Key Frame" animation or "Motion Capture".
"Key Frame" animation requires the 3D artist to set positions of the character or object and then change that position over time. "Motion Capture" is different in respect that the position of the model has been linked externally to a motion capture suit or other device. This way the model's position is recorded in real time as the external device is moved.

The model or object also needs to be textured and lit. Textures are JPG's or BMP's that can be attached to the model to colour it, paint it, put skin on it or pattern it. Once lit, by lights within the 3D application to match the live action footage, the model can then be "Rendered". "Rendering" is when the computer puts everything together producing the final piece, with fluid movement, with correct textures and lighting to match the scene in the film. "Rendering" is very time consuming and hard work for the computer which is why Effects Houses have large multiple systems running with high spec hardware.

Then the completed model needs to be imported into a "Compositor". A "Compositor" is a program that combines the 3D model with footage from the location (or Background Plate) and puts it together (a composite), in order to be placed into the final film. Programs like Inferno, Adobe After Effects, Combustion are common compositors used for Film and TV. From here, the whole composite itself then has to be rendered to be used in the edit of the film.

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