Research Project: Artifact 1

The broad area of my research project can be defined as follows: a look at retro material (physical) special effects in comparison to CGI (computer generated imagery) in the film industry. After reading through my research document again I discovered the main essence of the paper and noted any major concepts it discussed and analyzed. This is what I concluded.

1.) Had CGI replaced physical effects as an industry standard.
2.) How important is realism and believability to either form. Purpose of an effect.
3.) Had artistry and craft been lost. The process in how FX are made.
4) How do audiences react to either form: opinions, suspension of disbelief, immersion and overall experience between effects.
5) Finally are physical effects still required and can they intersect with CGI today.

My first artifact is going to take these issues to the public, gathering opinions and statistics to confirm or go against discussion raised in my document, It may also raise new talking points I was previously unaware of. Hopefully this will help synthesize the key issues and debates surrounding my research question, allowing me to record any recurring opinions and arguments voiced by the general public. I can then take this data to relevant practitioners to comment on, contrasting and comparing the results to further my research.

Why am I doing It?
- To discover how audiences react to either form of SFX. What they believe, expect and prefer in the effects world.
- Gather valuable date to help form later artifacts, interview questions, key films for focus groups, stats.
- Ultimately support or contrast my Research conclusion.   

How am i doing it?
- Online questionnaires on various forums, blogs and chain mails
- To the streets, Interviews with the general public of Nottingham. Cinemas, Library's, Bars.

Results
Online Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JHTL8B6
Online Video (password sam): http://vimeo.com/57764225

Conclusion

Practical effects main advantage are their realism and believability. As suspension of disbelief is extremely important to the immersion of viewers, visual effects are not appropriate for every scene. They become identified when overused, appearing to perfect and especially when trying to imitate humans. This can be caused by studios rushing production as visual effects are easier and less- time consuming than practical effects to produce.  Ultimately audience crave a certain level of 'real' in films.