17 August 2008 46 views No Comment Print This Post  Email This Post

Recently the Beijing Times reported that the amazing fireworks show was actually a CGI rendered months before the actual show.  During the opening ceremony a total of 29 firework foot prints appeared in the sky.  Their prefect timing gave the appearance of a giant walking across the sky.  While these fireworks were actually fired off at the ceremony, the majority of the footage viewed by on NBC and on the screens in the Olympic stadium showed the prerecorded footage.  Supposedly for people who actually saw it live, it was just as spectacular.  Which begs the question, why use CGI version at all?

According to the Popular Mechanics, the Beijing Olyimipic Commity decided that it would be both a logistical and security nightmare to have enough helicopters in the air to cover all the angles of the show.  

While this explanation makes sense to me, I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t get to see the actual fireworks.  I can’t help but feel that this is another attempt by China, albeit a minor one, at manipulation.

From a technological stand point, I’ve gotta hand it to them.  The fireworks were very well done, and if it was the solution to an actual problem, it worked well.  I wonder if this will simply be an isolated incident or we will see ‘enhanced’ pre-recorded footage used more often, simply because it is easier recreate it on a computer that film the actual event.

What do you think?  

China Olympics Fake Fireworks - Gruccis Claim Real Opening Ceremony Fireworks - Popular Mechanics.