BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) – Subjects like rapid prototyping, 3-D texture painting and the intricacies of digital media review systems became comic material Saturday for Olivia Munn and Jason Segel, hosts of the film academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards. Or at least they tried their best.
With enthusiastic explanations laden with high-tech lingo, the two actors brought levity to the annual ceremony honoring the inventors, engineers and technicians behind advances in filmmaking technology. Segel called them “the magicians who can bring (creative) visions to life.”
Representing the “science” part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the work of the 11 groups recognized during the untelevised dinner celebration at the Beverly Wilshire hotel is highly specialized – mostly tools for viewing, sharing and manipulating digital media – but it has contributed to countless hit films.
Here’s a look at some of the films that benefited from the inventions recognized at the Sci-Tech Awards.
– “The Avengers”: The Marvel superhero smash is one of many action films to make use of the Aircover Inflatables Airwall, a giant, inflatable panel that becomes an instant green-screen for special effects.