These artists created amazing fictional worlds using matte paintings and modern software.
How do filmmakers create stunning and fantastical worlds for movies and TV? Surely they can't be building sets for every one of these incredible worlds, and it would break the budget to render them in CG every time. It turns out, some of the best forms of movie magic persist to this day. Let's introduce you to the Matte Painting.
Few things make you question your reality as much as matte painting breakdowns. It’s crazy to think that most of what you see on screen is completely fake. If you've never heard of the term 'Matte Painting' you may have a question...
What are Matte Paintings?
A matte painting is simply a painting used to create the illusion of a set that isn’t there. This technique has roots in hand-painted techniques where artists used matte-paint because it doesn’t reflect light. Matte paintings have evolved over the years to include 3D renders, photos, green-screen footage, and stock video. Modern artists use Nuke and After Effects to create digital set-extensions.
How Do Matte Paintings Work?
Matte paintings trick the eye by using simple, almost ancient techniques. Just as early animators used multiple panes of glass to create depth in their work, matte paintings utilize glass and pastels to add in details that aren't present on set.
The original technique for cinema involved painting a photorealistic image on a glass screen with space left clear for the live action elements. The cameras were positioned so the painting seamlessly integrated into the real sets. You've like seen hundreds of painted backdrops without ever even realizing it!
In early films, the camera needed to be locked down while double exposing the film. First, any clear areas were covered with black tape (or another covering) to prevent light from affecting the film. The camera would roll, capturing the matte painting and locking in the detail. Then they would remove the covering and re-expose with the live-action elements. The results are incredible.
Through the years, matte painting has evolved into an open field for artists to showcase incredibly detailed worlds, often in sci-fi and fantasy. While the technique is still used in films, now it is a digital addition rather than an old-school in-camera trick.
Matte paintings are used to add crowds rather than hiring hundreds of extras. They change the color of the landscape or add buildings from the past and future. Paintings can extend sets, turning a small studio into a vast mansion.
While the techniques might have evolved over time, the practicality of matte paintings remains just as true today as over a hundred years ago.
Amazing Matte Painting Inspiration
We love watching matte painting breakdowns. So we thought it’d be fun to create a roundup of some of our favorite matte painting videos from around the web.
VIA
VIA
Created By: Blue Zoo
When you think of Matte Paintings your mind probably immediately goes to VFX work, but there is a myriad of examples of matte-painting in Motion Design. In this project from Blue Zoo, we see how a beautifully painted background can help in the storytelling process. Just look at that gorgeous color work!
GAME OF THRONES BREAKDOWNS
Game of Thrones Season 7
Created By: RodeoFX
When the directors of Game of Thrones needed set extensions they looked to none-other than RodeoFX to get the job done. This breakdown from season 7 showcases some of the most incredible matte-painting and set extension work we’ve ever seen.
NATURAL ATTRACTION
Natural Attraction
Created By: Mark Zimmerman
One of our favorite artistic pieces is this project from Mark Zimmerman. The short film is designed to romanticize beauty in nature. It’s crazy to think that this film is entirely fake.
NATURAL ATTRACTION BREAKDOWN VIDEO
Luckily for us, Mark was kind enough to give us a behind-the-scenes look at this project. Once you get done watching this do yourself a favor and check out Mark's portfolio page on his website.
BRAINSTORM DIGITAL
Brainstorm Digital
Created By: Brainstorm Digital
This is perhaps the best example of a true digital matte painting on this list. When this demo reel dropped a few years ago, we were absolutely speechless. Brainstorm has masterfully composited images, video, and 3D renders to create fictional worlds for some of the biggest movies and TV shows in the world.
How to Create Your Own Matte Painting
If you want to try out matte painting and compositing for yourself, check out this tutorial we created in the early days of School of Motion. This two-part tutorial shows you how to composite an alien into a scene using Cinema 4D, Photoshop, and After Effects.
Now you’re only ever going to see matte paintings as you walk around in life. Is anything real?...
Dive into real-time 3D with our Unreal Engine beginner's course by Jonathan Winbush. Master importing assets, world-building, animation, and cinematic sequences to create stunning 3D renders in no time! Perfect for motion designers ready to level up.
Explore this Course ➔Unlock the secrets of character design in this dynamic course! Explore shape language, anatomy rules, and motifs to craft animation-ready characters. Gain drawing tips, hacks, and Procreate mastery (or any drawing app). Ideal for artists seeking to elevate their craft.
Explore this Course ➔Elevate your freelance motion design career with our guide to client success. Master a repeatable method for finding, contacting, and landing clients. Learn to identify prospects, nurture leads, and develop a thriving freelance philosophy amidst chaos.
Explore this Course ➔Rev up your editing skills with After Effects! Learn to use it for everyday needs and craft dynamic templates (Mogrts) for smarter teamwork. You'll master creating animated graphics, removing unwanted elements, tracking graphics, and making customizable templates.
Explore this Course ➔Stand out with Demo Reel Dash! Learn to spotlight your best work and market your unique brand of magic. By the end, you'll have a brand new demo reel and a custom campaign to showcase yourself to an audience aligned with your career goals.
Explore this Course ➔Illuminate your 3D skills with Lights, Camera, Render! Dive deep into advanced Cinema 4D techniques with David Ariew. Master core cinematography skills, gain valuable assets, and learn tools and best practices to create stunning work that wows clients.
Explore this Course ➔Master After Effects at your own pace with Jake Bartlett's beginner course. Perfect for video editors, you'll learn to create stylish animated graphics, remove unwanted elements, and track graphics into shots. By the end, you'll be equipped for everyday AE needs and more.
Explore this Course ➔Revolutionize your Premiere workflow with customizable AE templates! Master creating dynamic Motion Graphics Templates (Mogrts) in After Effects to speed up your team's work. By the end, you'll craft easily-customizable templates for seamless use in Premiere Pro.
Explore this Course ➔Not sure where to start?
If you’re a beginner, here are some great courses to help you get started:
After Effects Kickstart
Dive into the fundamentals of motion design with our most popular (and recently updated) After Effects course.
Photoshop + Illustrator Unleashed
Master the basics of Photoshop and Illustrator and gain invaluable insights in this introductory level course.
Design Kickstart
An introduction to the design principles behind all great work.
More Advanced?
If you’re a more advanced student looking to up your game, here are some great options:
Animation Bootcamp
Learn the art and principles of creating beautiful movements in Adobe After Effects.
Design Bootcamp
Learn to design for motion in this intermediate-level, project-based course.
Cinema 4D Basecamp
Learn Cinema 4D from the ground up in this exciting introductory C4D course.
Now is the time to learn the skills you need to advance in your motion design career: