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CGI: Meaning & Definition in Film

An abbreviation for computer-generated imagery, denoting digital effects and animation.

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CGI: Definition

CGI refers to any imagery created via computer software, encompassing 2D and 3D animations, compositing and visual effects. Its versatility transformed both animation and live-action filmmaking.

CGI: Techniques

Key processes include polygonal modeling, procedural textures, particle systems and motion capture. Artists collaborate with technical directors to integrate CGI seamlessly into plates.

CGI: Challenges

High computational demands and rendering times require resource optimization. Balancing photorealism with stylization remains an ongoing artistic and technical challenge.

CGI: Notable Examples

Landmark CGI sequences include the T-1000 in Terminator 2, the Naʼvi in Avatar and the hobbits in The Lord of the Rings, showcasing CGI’s narrative power.

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More Filmmaking Terms

Entries filed on the same shelf as CGI, each with the one-line answer first. They are the words that usually come up in the same conversation.

All 913 terms

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    Documented observations and logistical details about shooting environments.

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    Worldbuilding is the creative process of constructing a detailed, consistent, and immersive fictional universe, or Story World, for a narrative.

  • Grip It and Rip It

    Grip it and rip it is a filmmaking slang term for shooting a scene quickly and with minimal setup.

  • Real-Time Previs

    Interactive previsualization using game engines so directors and DPs experiment with shots at production speed.

  • Pick-Up Shot

    A brief, supplemental shot added after principal photography to address coverage gaps or continuity errors.