The World of AVATAR: How Did Cameron Make Pandora So Real?

[Sadao]

The World of AVATAR: How Did Cameron Make Pandora So Real?

By AVATAR on Jun 06, 2010 8:32 AM 0 Comments

James Cameron produced his own special effects and technology during the creation of AVATAR in order to create the realistic world of Pandora. By creating a custom camera, he was able to view the actors as they performed as though they were immersed in the scenes of this fictional world.

Guest post by Ashley Hansen
Audiences all over the world were blown away by the stunning 3D effects in AVATAR – The Movie. Though viewers realize the sci-fi element to the film, there is a startling reality about the world of Pandora and its inhabitants. Even though we know that floating mountains and nine-foot tall blue people may not exist, the filming of AVATAR certainly makes it seem possible. The startling 3D footage has caused many moviegoers to wonder about the special effects and technology used to create the realistic world in Pandora. There’s an interesting story behind it; in fact, James Cameron even had to make his own technology to meet the needs of the film.
A Long Time Coming
The story and effects in AVATAR were actually in the works for over 20 years before AVATAR even hit the movie screens. James Cameron had wanted to make a movie like AVATAR for years, but one thing held him back: the technology. Cameron actually had to wait until technology caught up with his vision in order for the special effects he desired in AVATAR to become a reality.
Fortunately, 3D filming has advanced enough that Cameron was finally able to get the special effects and technology needed to create the realistic world in Pandora. The technology he found was close to what he needed, but not quite enough. Cameron and his team had to come up with a solution to get AVATAR to the level he envisioned in his mind.
Custom Cameras
James Cameron found that the Sony HDC-F950 HD camera met most of his needs for filming the 3D effects in AVATAR. However, to make the experience even more realistic, he decided to create his own camera system to produce even better visual effects. By connecting two Sony HDC-F950 HD cameras so that the lenses were only two and a half inches apart, he was able to create a 3D experience that is overwhelmingly realistic for movie audiences. Cameron chose to use this measurement of separation of cameras to mimic the stereoscopic separation of human eyes, which is what gives the resulting visual effect such a realistic view.
Actor’s Movements
An innovative form of technology was also incorporated with the 3D cameras to help create a better filming experience. The special effects and technology used to create the realistic world in Pandora were translated into the camera. Though the actors performed the scenes in front of a green screen, Cameron was able to look through his camera and see the entire world of Pandora surrounding them. It allowed him to create a better flow in filming and produced a more realistic effect.
Sponsored by Panasonic VIERA. Return to the world of AVATAR in stunning full HD with the Panasonic VIERA HD TV. Through the combined use of creative vision and technology, AVATAR swept viewers along a path that turned the fantastical into reality.
What part of Pandora was the most amazing – and real – for you?

[_Omaticaya_]

Very interesting technical post, for me, Neytiri was the most amazing thing, and you know why? because when else in my life have I loved a cg character? She's so real, she's amazing, and beautiful. When I watch Avatar, I really look at every detail, and I just am amazed by EVERY single frame, everything is perfect, if you try to see if there's a reflection or shadow somewhere, it's all there, and beautiful. It is more than a masterpiece. And only Zoe Saldana could create Neytiri being stunningly beautiful herself

[Wameyn]

I'd say the most amazing part(s) for me was how awesome some of the things looked in 3D, especially the HUD in the shuttle as it was headed to Pandora, and then also when we saw all the bio lume for the very first time after Jakes torch was put out...so beautiful!

[odeon123]

Nice post

[Sanjwale]

I'd say the most amazing part(s) for me was how awesome some of the things looked in 3D, especially the HUD in the shuttle as it was headed to Pandora, and then also when we saw all the bio lume for the very first time after Jakes torch was put out...so beautiful!

AAAAARGGGGHHHHHHHHH I never saw avatar in 3d :( *punch myself for being so stupid to watch avatar a year after it -.-"*

[Wameyn]

AAAAARGGGGHHHHHHHHH I never saw avatar in 3d :( *punch myself for being so stupid to watch avatar a year after it -.-"*

I bet you get another chance one of these days bro

[Ja'k Dawsiin]

i would give anything right now,to see Avatar 3D back on the silver screen. they should rescreen it for a limited time every year or every other year. i would go...hell yeahhh!!!!

[vala55]

I have not seen the 3 D version. Yesterday I watch the bonus features on the special edition and I was amazed. Some specialist said it couldn't be done and James C. showed them it could be. Zoe, she wasn't even in the movie like Jake and the others. They showed her going through the motions with a helmet and wires everywhere and blue dots. It recorded every movement, even eyes and they put that in the Navi images and her voice. The finished product was very enhanced. I saw the scene where Jake was following Neytiri across the log and jumped across something. Believe me it was not graceful. LOL They also showed the musical part of it and I have not seen that in the movie. They hired an archer to instruct them how to use the weapon. He said you can't shoot a bow left handed. James C took him outside and did it. He couldn't sell the movie because everyone thought it would just be another Smurf movie. The laugh was on them.

[Ja'k Dawsiin]

Avatar is the only 3D film i have seen where the 3D effects were part of the story and visuals,not some hokey camera effects jarringly slapping you in the face like so very much of the 3D movies out there.

[Lon]

I watched AVATAR listening with pro-quality headphones last night. All 160 minutes, and it was remarkable. So many sound nuances that I didn't catch during regular viewings.