How matte paintings were used in Return of the Jedi (and more) in the days before CGI

We're living in a CGI world. And though Green Screen's dominance has given filmmakers an endless capability to invent, it's hard not to remain infatuated with the old school charm of matte paintings. The intricately designed, romantically rendered visions of the city of Oz, or the secretive warehouse in which the Ark of the Covenant is kept.

A new video by Vimeo Video School has paid tribute to somewhat of a lost art, giving viewers a lesson in how the likes of the great Michael Pangrazio achieved his incredible work on 1983's Return of the Jedi, or how James Cameron's pre-director career saw him create matte paintings for 1981's Escape from New York.

In simple terms, matte paintings are a hand-rendered background for actors interacting in a shot, though Vimeo's team specifically demonstrate how artists would create something called a glass shot; in which a camera films through a piece of glass with a foreground or background element painted in to add context to the scene.

It all starts by finding a location, here New York's Central Park; with the camera first being carefully set up for its shot, before a piece of acrylic glass is then mounted on stands and lined up in front of the lens.

Gfycat gif

Utilising the camera's viewfinder as a guide, enamel paint is then used to paint the desired image; with a base coat on both the front and back of the glass to prevent any light passing through. Highlighting and shadowing become key here in creating a realistic depth to the piece, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its background.

Gfycat gif

When the camera finally rolls, artificial light ensures the painting matches its background, while a tarp held behind the camera is used to block out any reflection on the glass.

And, voila! A completed, cinematic shot.

Gfycat gif

Here's the full video.

The Joy of Matte Painting from Vimeo Video School on Vimeo.

The Vimeo Video School looks to help content creators improve their filmmaking and editing techniques, from how to use Final Cut Pro to acting 101.