Do you know the feeling of when you stand on a partially dressed set, look at the monitor, and witness how film magic transforms the space around you? Amazing, right? However, I believe the effect is even more impressive when a painted glass with breathtaking or impossible scenery is placed in front of the camera. Are you familiar with the technique I’m referring to? Yes, as the title suggests, today we’ll delve into the world of matte painting, exploring its history and evolution in filmmaking. The use of matte paintings in cinema dates back to the early 1900s. Back then, artists used practical materials—glass panels and canvas backdrops. Naturally, the technique has evolved over the century. Nowadays, when we talk about it, we dive instead into the digital world. Why did it stick around, though? What’s so useful and remarkable about the matte painting approach? What is a matte painting? The tradition Let’s start with a general understanding of the term. Imagine a live-action film set where everything is perfect, save for the surroundings. (Maybe you need to place your protagonist on the legendary Cliffs of Moher, or your wide shot requires a huge futuristic cityscape, which doesn’t exist and/or is impossible to build on any budget). Then, imagine a large sheet of glass and artists who have carefully painted the required environment on it, including the smallest details, using pastels or other paints. This glass plate (or matte painting) is placed in front of the camera. With careful adjustments and...
Published By: CineD - Thursday, 15 August, 2024