Director Gareth Edwards Creates Visual Masterpiece on Modest Budget in The Creator
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Gareth Edwards directed the sci-fi film The Creator, which has impressive visual effects on a modest $80 million budget by shooting on location then adding effects later. This saved money compared to building elaborate sets.
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The Creator is Oscar-nominated for best sound and visual effects. It was made in collaboration with pioneering effects company Industrial Light and Magic (ILM).
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Edwards took inspiration from his first low-budget hit Monsters, keeping crew and equipment small so he could shoot around the world cheaply. Locations included Tibet, Cambodia, Vietnam and Japan.
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Reviews praised the film's visuals but some criticized the story and dialogue. Compared to big franchises, original sci-fi poses challenges in having to sell a new concept to audiences.
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Edwards says that unlike the Oscar nomination for visual effects, he's just a "proud parent" of the film. But effects supervisor Andrew Roberts says his nomination is a dream as a working-class kid from the UK.