[sdiy] OT: very BIG capacitor-debunking the video

[Tim Parkhurst]

As a semi-pro 3D animator, I just wanted to blather on a subject I know
something about...(as opposed the synthesizers, which I know next to nothing
about). If the "Very BIG capacitor" clip is fake, it is a ***VERY*** good
one. I mean, a Hollywood - Lucas Film - feature film quality fake. This is
the short version (believe it or not), but I'll gladly elaborate off list if
anybody wants to email me. My evidence is:

A - It looks like a fractal, but it also sputters out and leaves little
wisps here and there. This subtle behavior is extremely difficult to
simulate. 

B - The arc actually does throw some light. If you look at the very first
bit of arcing on the right hand side, you will see that it throws quite a
bit of light on the underside of the oval-shaped 'knob' that is on top of
the short pole at the switch pivot point. Also, the camera's automatic
exposure kicks in and dims the entire scene slightly once the arc is in full
'bloom.' This is something that would not be duplicated by any but the most
dedicated and detail oriented.

C - Parts of the arc and the smoke are BEHIND some of the equipment. The
smoke rising behind the overhead wires is a much more subtle thing, but this
is something that would be muffed in most fakes.

D - There are 'lens flares' where the arc starts and stops. The light at
these points is much brighter than the rest of the arc, and so it overloads
the camera's image chip. Most fakes wouldn't bother to put this in.

E - The arc, lens flares, and smoke track the wobbles and motion of the
hand-held camera PERFECTLY. Inserting animation into live footage and
tracking camera motion is EXTREMELY difficult. When this is done in feature
films, the camera is held still, motion controlled, or at the very least is
moved on tracks or with a heavy dolly so that it does NOT shake or wobble.
Even then, this is a tricky task.

Again; I doubt very seriously if this is a fake. If it IS a fake, whoever
made it should be working for George Lucas.

****************
Tim Servo
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

**********************************************
> -----Original Message-----
> From: john mahoney [mailto:jmahoney at gate.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2003 12:54 PM
> To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject: Re: [sdiy] OT: very BIG capacitor
> 
> I think this should be called "fun with special effects software," because
> it looks fake. Maybe it's not, but my evidence is: (A) It looks like a
> fractal. I know, real things have that look, but still.... (B) This huge
arc
> throws no light! There is no illumination on the equipment, even right
next
> to the arc. Look at the pole with a ball on top to the left of the arc --
> nothing. (C) The sound is too clear! It sounds dubbed in. (D) Shadows
point
> in multiple directions -- no, wait, that's the fake Moon landing video...
> --
> john



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