Comments on: Olympics: Fireworks faked during opening ceremony

By: Doug Aamoth

Doug Aamoth — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:48:43 +0000

Yes, I watched it. How was it clear that they were using CGI?

By: Doug Aamoth

Doug Aamoth — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:46:43 +0000

Just re-watched it (had it recorded) and Joe’s account is correct. Costas and Lauer never say anything about it being CGI. They just say it looks cinematic.

By: joe

joe — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:29:39 +0000

“NBC clearly explain that they were using CGI” No they didn’t, they said it was almost like we were watching cinematic photography.

Lauer: “You’re looking at a cinematic device employed by Zhang Yimou here. This is actually almost animation. A footstep a second, 29 in all, to signify the 29 Olympiads.”

Costas: “We said earlier that aspects of this Opening Ceremony are almost like cinema in real time. Well this is quite literally cinematic.”

They absolutely knew it was CGI, but didn’t disclaim it. Fireworks no biggie. CGI tanks and missiles being launched (CGI) in a distant part of the country to justify an invasion in a “Live Video” broadcast is probably just around the corner. Shame on NBC for not making it clear to the viewer.

I personally think the center views of the Tai-chi portion were also CGI. Perfect circles? Give me a break. Impossible.

By: Andy Beal

Andy Beal — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:22:53 +0000

Yep, no scandal. NBC clearly explain that they were using CGI.

By: Vince

Vince — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:53:29 +0000

A proper linkback to Gearfuse wouldn’t hurt ;)

By: Tim Daloisio

Tim Daloisio — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:03:29 +0000

I’ll back Joshua up on this one. It was very clear that these were computer generated and never set forth as otherwise. Did you even watch the broadcast? Poor showing across the Internet tech sites with this report.

By: Joshua Nelson

Joshua Nelson — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:53:09 +0000

Bob Costas said it was computer generated during the broadcast. Maybe outside the USA they didn’t announce that but it was clear that it was fake, but it was pretty convincing. Everyone needs to do a little more research before running with something like that…..

By: ultravioletmars

ultravioletmars — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:31:40 +0000

The tip off that they were CG was the lack of smoke(and the fact that all of the foot prints looked identical. Real fireworks always leave a trail of smoke. If you don’t see a smoke haze you can assume it was done in a computer.