THE APPROACH - THE
DESTRUCTION - AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT - THE FINAL ATTACK
DOWNLOAD THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MONTAGE - ID4 HOME PAGE
THE APPROACH - THE
DESTRUCTION - AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT - THE FINAL ATTACK
DOWNLOAD THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MONTAGE - ID4 HOME PAGE
With three major cities obliterated, the President finally gets tough and sends a squadron of F-18's to attack the Destroyer hovering over California. The attack that follows was one of the largest aerial visual effects sequences in history. Numerous techniques were used to create these shots--both CG and model photography were used extensively for the air-to-air sequences. Because of the incredible detail on the CG models, as well as the crisp, realistic compositing of these entire sequences, the CG and model units are indistinguishable from one another.Viewpoint DataLabs was given model airplanes by the ID4 miniature unit and scanned them into the computer, giving the digital unit their CG F-18's. VisionArt, which made significant contibutions to aerial sequences, created a special particle system/compositor dubbed "Sparky" to create the tracer fire, missiles and energy blasts needed for the scene. For the motion of the F-18's and Attackers, the artists used Sparky to create behavioral code for the CG elements, creating such scenarios as pursuit and evasive manuevers.
Captain Hiller (Will Smith) guides his aircraft through the Grand Canyon with an enemy Attacker on his tail. The majority of shots in the Canyon sequence were completed using model photography and miniature sets. Background plates were shot in the Little Colorado River Canyon, while miniatures were created out of foam and were carved by Steve Pinney. While many shots necessitated composited model photography of the F-18, some shots required the model F-18 to fly through pyrotechnic explosions--these shots were taken completely in-camera.
VisionArt created many of the air attack shots, including this one which features
a team of F-18's firing on a Destroyer. Digital models were created for the
F-18's, AMRAAM missiles, missile trails and the wonderful effect of the
Destroyer's shields repelling the incoming missiles.
VisionArt, responsible for all alien shield distortion shots, created this shot
of an AMRAAM missile hitting its alien target. Instead of destroying the Attacker,
the shields protect the alien craft. The smoke trails and missile itself are computer generated.
A squadron of F-18's prepare for battle. Incredible
compositing and great CG models and animation
contributed to the aerial sequences success.
A fleet of CG Attackers swarm El Toro.
is next...
THE APPROACH - THE DESTRUCTION - AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT - THE FINAL ATTACK
DOWNLOAD THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MONTAGE - ID4 HOME PAGE
