Unveiling the Controversial VFX Technique: Foundation Creator Spills the Tea With Brutal Honesty!
Goyer unveils the secrets behind Foundation's stunning VFX, highlighting their enduring impact
Summary
David S. Goyer, co-creator of Foundation, voices his dissatisfaction with a specific VFX sequence in the series, pointing out flaws in its execution and disregard for the laws of physics.Notwithstanding the limitations of said shot, Foundation continues to present stunning visuals, encompassing interstellar journeys, intricate world construction, and extraordinary life forms.
Despite the issues pointed out by Goyer, many viewers may not have noticed them, as the special effects in Foundation are still impressive and are likely to improve in future seasons.
David S. Goyer, co-creator of Foundation, discusses a subtle visual effects trick used in the show. Premiering on Apple TV+ in 2021, Foundation is based on Isaac Asimov's collection of novels. It takes place in a galaxy where the Galactic Empire is collapsing, and follows a group of individuals determined to save humanity across multiple colonized planets. The show has received acclaim for its stunning visuals and the performances of its talented cast, including Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Terrence Mann, and more.
In Corridor Crew's recent video, Goyer and VFX Supervisor Chris MacLean discuss various moments from Foundation. Goyer expresses his strong dislike for the scene of Gaal Dornick (Llobell) landing on Synnax and throwing a pop-up canoe in the water. He candidly mentions that due to limitations in time and budget, the scene did not turn out as intended, which greatly disappointed him. Goyer's unfavorable opinion on this Foundation VFX trick can be found in his following comments:
David S. Goyer: I was aware of your discussion about this. I must say, I absolutely despise this shot! Please don't take any offense, as it is not a reflection on the individuals who worked on it. Unfortunately, we faced constraints in terms of time and funding, resulting in the pipes appearing out of nowhere. We encountered financial difficulties at this stage. Initially, we had planned for three separate shots. May I inquire about the vendor responsible for handling this matter?
Chris MacLean praised Spin for their excellent work. However, Goyer expressed his disappointment, mentioning that the scene was originally intended to be filmed in three shots. Although he is a fan of Marvel movies and watches them with his three sons, he dislikes it when certain shots defy the laws of physics. He specifically refers to one shot in this particular scene, describing it as unrealistic and deeply distressing to him.
Why Foundation's VFX Are Still Impressive
The moment Goyer reacts to happens in the finale of Foundation season 1. Gaal throws a cylinder-shaped object into the water, which instantly transforms into a canoe with oars. However, the construction of the canoe seems illogical as the pipes appear out of nowhere. Additionally, it is revealed that most of the water movement caused by the canoe is created using special effects.
Despite this, Foundation still showcases other impressive visuals. Being set in the future allows for extensive exploration of the world. The space travel and world building in Foundation highlight remarkable visual effects. In just the first episode, the audience is introduced to massive aircrafts and imperial jump ships. As the series progresses, it also brings to life various unique creatures and technological equipment.
It is worth considering if viewers noticed the same details as Goyer during the Foundation scene. Some of the problems he highlighted may not have been apparent to viewers during their initial watch. Despite the canoe, Foundation showcases numerous remarkable special effects, and it will be intriguing to observe how the series' visual effects progress in the future.
