8 Insane Movie Sets Built For One Scene

Some directors go to mind-blowing lengths to shoot mere minutes of film.

By Brian Wilson /

It's so easy to watch movies these days and pass every amazing scene off as CGI. See an incredible explosion? It must be CGI. A heart-pounding chase sequence? Well that's clearly CGI. A post-apocalyptic wasteland? Totally CGI. It's especially true when these scenes are fleeting. Who would go to such vast, complicated lengths to construct something physical for nothing more than a brief moment? While many directors are happy enough to film against green screen and employ a substantial use of CGI, there are those whose vision demands tangibility and tactility. When used effectively, CGI can drastically improve a scene €“ but there are some things that it's just not feasible to try and generate. While CGI opens up a seemingly endless number of possibilities, it also needs a strong foundation if its to be in any way believable. A lot of directors go to extreme lengths to ensure these foundations are secure. After reading this list, you may look at special effects differently. That incredible explosion might just be real. That heart-pounding chase sequence could be taking place on a one and a half mile freeway constructed purely for the film. And that post-apocalyptic wasteland might actually be a painstakingly detailed miniature...

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