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"NO CGI" is really just INVISIBLE CGI - 1

The Movie Rabbit Hole · explainer · Watch on YouTube

Animation & visual effectsFilmmaking & video production

What it is

VFX supervisor Jonas Ussing examines what studios mean by "no CGI", showing how much invisible CGI hides behind practical-effects marketing. It is the first part of a multi-part series that includes analysis of doctored behind-the-scenes footage.

Why Hacker News recommends it

Strongly recommended whenever HN discusses CGI, practical effects, or trusting behind-the-scenes footage.

  • 6 people recommended it
  • 6 different months
  • 3 strong recommendations
  • first 2024, last 2026

What HN commenters said

  1. “This series is a great watch on the subject”

    Exposes doctored behind-the-scenes footage hiding green screen and CGI.

    jsheard, 2025-04 · Strong recommendation · in “'Minecraft Movie' Leaks Online: Full Unfinished Version Shared”

  2. “I highly recommend this 5-part essay series”

    Five-part essay on hidden CGI in modern films.

    troupo, 2025-12 · Strong recommendation · in “French supermarket's Christmas advert is worldwide hit (without AI) [video]”

  3. “this series is HIGHLY worth a watch”

    Series debunking no-CGI claims and defending VFX artists.

    Fr0styMatt88, 2026-07 · Strong recommendation · in “'The Odyssey' Proves It: Audiences Want Movies Made the Hard Way”

  4. “i really enjoyed the 4 videos made by 'The Movie Rabbit Hole'”

    Series exploring misleading no-CGI claims in movies.

    4ggr0, 2024-08 · Recommendation · in “Captain Disillusion debunks David Beckham beach kicks [video]”

  5. “this video series has a good breakdown on it”

    Breakdown of no-CGI marketing including doctored behind-the-scenes footage.

    rcxdude, 2026-04 · Recommendation · in “Creating the Futurescape for the Fifth Element [2019]”

  6. “This is 5 part series.”

    Five-part series on how little is truly practical.

    CyberDildonics, 2026-04 · Recommendation · in “Creating the Futurescape for the Fifth Element [2019]”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: vfx, cgi, practical effects, filmmaking, behind the scenes

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