The secrets behind majestic backdrops of Korean films: The grand settings were actually created from a simple green screen
SFX was the compulsory element in today’s Korean films, for better viewing experience and higher status.
The Korean film scene is receiving higher regards for their special effects (SFX) as more and more movies and series are properly invested to bring to the audiences more realistic and grand shots. However, these images were not necessarily real. Specifically, the cost-consuming settings were actually CGI-ed (computer-generated imagery) by the crew to reduce going beyond their budgets while ensuring a “real” atmosphere.
1. Parasite
While the family backyard of the rich in “Parasite” was not too complicated compared to other film projects about the wealthy family, for the movie, the majority of the settings were images generated by computer. Watching the behind-the-scenes footage, the audiences were in awe at the spectacular transformations. A backyard and a villa were created from a green screen, looking realistic to the most minute details. Not only those, the shabby market and street views from moving cars were also the products of CGI.
2. The Penthouse
While the affluent interior of the Hera skyscraper in “The Penthouse” was, for the most parts, “real”, the 100-floor building in the middle of Seoul shown on screen was in fact built with special effects. There is no actual architecture such as that in this area. The Hera Palace and its surrounding were created through a blend of the real and the imaginary.
3. Hotel Del Luna
“Hotel Del Luna” is a fantasy drama that sets against the backdrop of a hotel specialized in helping souls of the dead cross to the other side. From the theme alone, it is naturally assumed to have used many special effects to recreate images of the souls and a range of magical abilities. While some effects were still raw, the overall SFX of the drama was sufficient to create a pleasant and satisfying viewing experience.
4. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
While the story is set in a psychological and healing genre, the plot also explores the connections to fairytales. Hence the drama settings and the main female lead manifest the spirits of modern fairytales. The mansion where the main female character lives produces a fantasy effect of a cursed place. It may look sparkling on the surface but underlying is a sense of gloom. In reality, only the gate to the mansion and the door along with the front deck were built, the rest of the mansion was created by SFX. The interior of the house and its chandeliers were produced with SFX. Successfully, the audiences could not realize the difference and believed at first sight this was a real building.
Image source: Soompi
