Movies
Wilkins’ ‘Splinter’ Carries Practically No CGI!
When a press release went out a year or two ago for Toby Wilkins’ Splinter, it carried a sentence that has since had many B-D readers questioning the film. “Wilkins’ CGI skills will be put to use with the virus monster in SPLINTER, which twists the bodies of its prey into the shapes best suited to carry out its unrelenting desire to infect more victims and kill again.” Wilkins is an avid reader of the site and asked me to help him respond to the fans who were nervous about the use of a CG monster, which apparently is NOT the case! Read on for his open letter and check out SPLINTER in theaters October 31st.
From Toby Wilkins:
“
I keep reading reports like the one that just appeared on Bloody-Disgusting.com, containing statements similar to the following:
“Wilkins’ CGI skills will be put to use with the virus monster in the film.”
This is probably a fair guess based on my background, and I am flattered that anyone might be interested in how I made a living while pursuing my career as a director, but the truth with regards to “Splinter” is quite the contrary. Throughout my career I have consistently steered away from the use of visual effects when making films, choosing that kind of digital trickery only when essential the story, and even then only as a last resort.
Like horror fans the world over, I often find that the use of CGI creatures can ruin the experience for me. Undermining any sense of fear by shattering the illusion of reality. So when it came time to bring the “Splinter” creature to the screen, it was of primary importance that we do it practically, in-camera, and without the use of CGI.
I also feel that it’s unlikely an actor will give his or her best performance against a greenscreen, or opposite a threat that is non-existent, or staring at a tennis ball on a stick. In my opinion there is little about that experience that is rewarding for an actor, or a director, and ultimately the results are seldom satisfying for the audience.
It is a matter of great pride for us that with the combined efforts of the team at Quantum Creation FX, some very hard working physical performers, and the skills of cinematographer Nelson Cragg and editor David Maurer, we managed to use practically no CGI in the creation of the creatures in “Splinter”. It’s my belief that this decision enabled us to bring to the film a creature that is not just terrifying, but terrifyingly real.
T.“
The killer tomatoes are back in Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, and the offiical poster for the brand new movie has been unleashed tonight.
Additionally, we’ve learned that the film’s theatrical release is set for this August, with a panel set for San Diego Comic-Con this month featuring the world premiere of the trailer.
While you wait, check out the official poster down below.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence will be released in select cities across the US beginning August 7th in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Diego, and others, and expanding to further locations throughout the month.
The fifth installment in the horror-comedy franchise pits the eternal power of nature against AI’s best and brightest.
In Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, a young biotech prodigy develops a revolutionary genetically engineered vegetable designed to solve humanity’s problems. But when the experiment spirals out of control, it unleashes a new generation of killer tomatoes, setting the stage for another outrageous chapter in the long-running cult franchise.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes co-creators Costa Dillon and J. Stephen Peace return to write and executive produce. David Ferino directs.
The film features an ensemble cast led by franchise icon John Astin (The Addams Family), reprising his role as Professor Gangreen, comedy legend David Koechner (Anchorman), Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), horror favorite Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier), comedy veteran Dan Bakkedahl (Veep), Myrna Velasco (Star Wars Resistance), Vernée Watson (Shrinking, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), and Paul Bates (Coming to America).
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes launched in 1979, followed by 1988’s Return of the Killer Tomatoes, 1991’s Killer Tomatoes Strike Back, and 1992’s Killer Tomatoes Eat France.
The franchise also spawned an animated series in 1990.
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