Cameras, algorithms, and hundreds of cuts create the surreal images of the film Avatar: The Way of Water.
The first Avatar film was a milestone in filmmaking technology, crafted using CGI (computer-generated imagery), motion capture, and 3D cameras. The technologies from this film have been adopted by many studios and directors in the following decade.
After 13 years, Director James Cameron takes viewers back to the planet Pandora with a fresh perspective. Behind the majestic ocean scenes lies a series of new technological innovations introduced to the film industry.
The first Avatar film was a milestone in filmmaking technology.
Future Camera Technology
The director of two of the highest-grossing films of all time is also regarded as a scientist in the field of cinema. The 3D camera developed by James Cameron in collaboration with NASA was used for the Mars mission.
“He was born with the abilities of a scientist. Cameron is always looking for problems to solve,” said Daniel Goldin, former director of NASA, to QG.
The Sony Venice camera was chosen for Avatar: The Way of Water. (Photo: CineD).
In this latest film, Cameron and his team built a new camera system based on existing solutions. They selected the Sony Venice camera for this project.
The Japanese company stated that they collaborated with Lightstorm Entertainment, the production company for Avatar: The Way of Water, to customize the Venice camera for capturing 3D images. The principle used by Cameron is based on the first 3D film. They paired two cameras to create a stereoscopic system.
Additionally, the company refined the camera to reduce the overall weight of the filming equipment. This allowed for more freedom and flexibility, which was suitable for many underwater shots in The Way of Water.
The Sony Venice is also highly regarded for its image quality. It is the first Full-frame digital camera model from the Japanese manufacturer. Cameron praised the device for delivering superior image quality with deep blacks and smooth color transitions.
The 8K version of this camera costs nearly $60,000, equivalent to 1.4 billion VND.
AI and CGI
The process of creating The Way of Water was highly complex. It was likened to a massive data package without image distinction.
On this platform, the director recorded the lighting conditions, performances, and camera movements he desired. This data was handed over to Weta Digital, the company responsible for VFX. The aforementioned team used algorithms and layers of animation to bring the frames to life.
Cameron does not consider the creation of Avatar to be similar to Pixar animation. “The actors know exactly what they need to do. It is only translated from regular images to 3D CGI with all sorts of AI in it,” the director stated.
Despite being completed with VFX, James Cameron still insisted on underwater filming. (Photo: 20th Century).
He does not believe that his method is unique, as it requires a substantial budget. “They (other directors) would go crazy if they tried to follow suit. If I don’t create the highest-grossing film in history, that’s the last thing I want to do,” James Cameron shared with QG.
The New York Times reported that Weta Digital consumed 18.5 petabytes (1 petabyte equals 1,024 TB) of data to store the production process of the film’s visual effects. The biggest challenge for the team was recreating the flow of water, the moisture on the skin of the Na’Vi, and the fluid resistance while swimming.
All the liquids in the film are visual effects. However, the director insisted on underwater filming. The production company had to create a tank containing 90,000 gallons of water to meet his demands.
James Cameron is also known for his meticulousness and perfectionism. The article in QG revealed that the director reviewed up to the 405th version of a visual effects scene. This is why Avatar: The Way of Water became one of the most expensive films to produce.
This is also the largest project Weta Digital has ever undertaken. Their filmography includes iconic titles in the film industry such as The Lord of the Rings series, Marvel and DC films, Alita, and more.
