Are Vintage Automobiles in Films Real or CGI?

When it comes to depicting cars from different decades in movies, filmmakers often face the question: to CGI or not to CGI?

CGI in Movies:

In the modern era of filmmaking, Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) has revolutionized the way cars from different decades are portrayed on screen.

With advanced technology, filmmakers can seamlessly incorporate vintage automobiles into scenes, providing an authentic portrayal of specific time periods.

The advent of CGI has essentially granted directors the freedom to bring any car from yesteryears to life, without the need for sourcing authentic classic cars.

Whether it's a 1950s Cadillac cruising down a boulevard or a 1970s Volkswagen Beetle navigating through city streets, CGI offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for achieving period accuracy in movies.

Authentic Classic Cars:

Before the era of CGI, filmmakers relied on sourcing authentic classic cars to populate their set with vehicles from a specific era.

This process often involved collaborating with specialized companies that provided a fleet of vintage automobiles for on-screen use.

Rather than requiring a multitude of cars, filmmakers typically needed a handful of working automobiles for driving scenes, complemented by a few parked vehicles.

To enhance the authenticity of the setting, matte paintings or other visual effects were employed to create the illusion of additional vintage cars, minimizing the overall number of physical vehicles required.

In instances where a larger fleet of classic cars was needed, production crews turned to car clubs and collectors, leveraging their expertise and collections to furnish the necessary vehicles.

In entirety, both CGI and authentic classic cars have played pivotal roles in bringing period-accurate automobiles to the big screen.

While CGI offers versatility and cost-efficiency, the use of genuine classic cars fosters an unparalleled level of authenticity and nostalgia that resonates with audiences worldwide.