CGI: how is it used in the film industry?

CGI
CGI stands for compurter generated imagery and is used all throughout the film industry today.
It is the application of 3D computer graphics to special effects in films, television etc. It is used for visual effects because images generated by a computer are more controllable than physical objects, therefore it can be used in the construction of minatures extras in crowds and creating any image not achievable with other technology.
Some of the the software used to create CGI include 3ds Max LightWave 3D Maya and softimage XSI, and the recent assesability of these softwares, has allowed small companies to create professional grade films.

CGI was first introduced to the film industry in 1973 movie Westwood's. At first it was slow to take off only being used in 3 movies in the space of 4 years, also in futureworld and star wars. From then on the use of the technology increased opening new possiblities to film makers, and new experiences for the audience.

How does this relate to Audiences.
This has been intergrated into the cinema experience because nowdays many companies are increasinly using CGI in the developemnt of their films to give an overall increased experience and realism for the viewer.

Pixar and CGI
Pixar Animation Studios, use a concept of drawings, sketches and score all brought together using CGI for the creation of there movies, and the company has become internationally recognised due to this fact
Pixar's technological developments with CGI can be charted through refinements over the years to achieve ever-greater degrees of realism through subtle changes in skin (Geri's Game), fur (Monsters, Inc.), and other surfaces.

Having summarised the use of CGI within films, it seems that it is a great oppurtunity for all film lovers, it allows low budget companies to make movies worthy of the cinema and benefits the film makers by aloowing them to create and give a new dimension to today's movies.