What is Animatronics?
Before special effects were done by computers, many movie monsters and other creatures were created using animatronics. Animatronics are machines that, rather than looking or acting like robots, look like they are real creatures. The term is a combination of the words “animated” and “electronics,” which perfectly defines what these creatures are. Others refer to them as mechanical puppets. Since CGI has become much cheaper and more effective, you may not see that many animatronics in movies today. However, a number of theme parks still make use of these amazing creations.
The Creation of Animatronics The Walt Disney Company was the first to develop and use animatronics. The very first creation that could be considered an animatronic was the giant squid created by Disney for their 1954 movie version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Later, Disney created a number of animatronics for its theme park at Disneyland. These “audio-animatronics,” as they called them, were used throughout the park. They were even used to create entire attractions such as the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Some animatronics were also revealed at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. The Hall of Presidents featured an animatronic Abraham Lincoln reciting the Gettysburg address. This Lincoln animatronic is one of the most well known early creations.
Animatronics in the Movies Animatronics quickly became popular in Hollywood because it allowed for the creation of more life-like creatures. Science fiction and fantasy films made the most use of animatronics, although they were also present in many other genres. The shark in Jaws was animatronic, for example.
For a large film requiring many animatronics, work may begin a year or more before filming actually starts. Detailed sketches and blueprints are created first. These drawings are then used to create a scale model. If the model is approved, a full sized version is built. While this is being constructed, the electronics and control circuits are created. Then all of the pieces are combined to create the animatronic.
The Advantages of Animatronics over Digital Effects With the cost of digital effects so much cheaper and requiring so much less time, why would a studio use animatronics? There are several different reasons why these mechanical creations are superior to CGI.
Animatronics Today While there are some movies that make use of animatronics, today you’ll find most of these mechanical puppets in theme parks. While they still have to follow pre-programmed scripts, many modern animatronics are incredibly lifelike. Because basic animatronics are fairly simple to do, they have become popular projects for school science fairs.
Just because digital effects has become the primary special effects methods in Hollywood does not mean animatronics are dead. In fact, there are still a number of companies such as AnimatronicRobotics.com that focus on creating these amazing machines.
The Creation of Animatronics The Walt Disney Company was the first to develop and use animatronics. The very first creation that could be considered an animatronic was the giant squid created by Disney for their 1954 movie version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Later, Disney created a number of animatronics for its theme park at Disneyland. These “audio-animatronics,” as they called them, were used throughout the park. They were even used to create entire attractions such as the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Some animatronics were also revealed at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. The Hall of Presidents featured an animatronic Abraham Lincoln reciting the Gettysburg address. This Lincoln animatronic is one of the most well known early creations.
Animatronics in the Movies Animatronics quickly became popular in Hollywood because it allowed for the creation of more life-like creatures. Science fiction and fantasy films made the most use of animatronics, although they were also present in many other genres. The shark in Jaws was animatronic, for example.
For a large film requiring many animatronics, work may begin a year or more before filming actually starts. Detailed sketches and blueprints are created first. These drawings are then used to create a scale model. If the model is approved, a full sized version is built. While this is being constructed, the electronics and control circuits are created. Then all of the pieces are combined to create the animatronic.
The Advantages of Animatronics over Digital Effects With the cost of digital effects so much cheaper and requiring so much less time, why would a studio use animatronics? There are several different reasons why these mechanical creations are superior to CGI.
- Some CGI just do not look lifelike. Some movies, especially those with very small budgets, include CGI creatures that simply look like what they are: computer creations that have been dropped into the movie frame by frame. They do not look realistic.
- Digital creations can be difficult for actors to work with. There are some actors who dislike acting in front of a green screen because they have nothing to work with—they’re standing in front of a green wall reacting to a digital effect they don’t see. Even if they have a mark off-camera showing them where to look, it can be difficult to react. Interacting with fully digital characters can also be difficult.
- Animatronics have a look that is unique. While digital effects can often look amazing, there is something about the retro look of animatronics that gives a movie a special charm.
Animatronics Today While there are some movies that make use of animatronics, today you’ll find most of these mechanical puppets in theme parks. While they still have to follow pre-programmed scripts, many modern animatronics are incredibly lifelike. Because basic animatronics are fairly simple to do, they have become popular projects for school science fairs.
Just because digital effects has become the primary special effects methods in Hollywood does not mean animatronics are dead. In fact, there are still a number of companies such as AnimatronicRobotics.com that focus on creating these amazing machines.