A look at the creation of I, ROBOT

By: Patrick Sauriol
Date: Thursday, July 08, 2004
Source: Apple.com

Apple's trailer website has posted a special look at the making of I, ROBOT's mechanical man, Sonny. The creation of Sonny's performance in the movie is a combination of state-of-the-art computer graphics technology and the performance of actor Alan Tudyk (FIREFLY), both of which are combined to create the lifelike mannerisms of the artificial being.

The featurette is titled "Sonny's Transformation" and provides an overview of how Tudyk's interaction with the other I, ROBOT actors was first filmed, then digitally removed and replaced with the CGI Sonny model. However, Tudyk's performance, which include his mannerisms, facial expressions and character nuances, were critical to the final form of the robot in the film. Animators would digitally remove the actor, insert the Sonny model, and then mirror Tuduk's acting onto the face of the robot. The end result is a blending of two worlds, the real and the digital. Comments from the film's star, Will Smith, as well as I, ROBOT's director and its special effects designers are included in the short.

You can download the video here at the Apple website. I, ROBOT opens in theaters on July 16.


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