Why has CGI in sci-fi gotten so expensive?

[Bob The Skutter]

^I suppose the thing is it would be cheaper outsourcing it if your show needs very few effects, but if you need a lot then long term it's probably cheaper to set up on your own. But it's employing enough people to do all the effects work for a weekly show is probably expensive too.
There are more effects houses starting up and I suppose they are getting cheaper, it's just every year they're adding more and more effects, and more and more detail, lighting, particle effects, etc. So cheaper effects from smaller houses will probably look behind the times.

 

[JonathonWally]

You would think that with more people needing CG services, there would be more providers and thus it should be getting relatively cheaper not more expensive.

I'd imagine it's incredibly hard to break into the business when you have compete with such powerhouses as ILM and WETA.

 

[FalTorPan]

The use of CGI VFX in sf TV was initially a cost-cutting move. The initial effects were relatively simple. Now they aren't, and although hardware and software have advanced and artistic skills have improved, the scale and complexity of the desired effects continues to keep pace.

 

[ATimson]

As a side note, Crusade, made even more exclusive use of CG work than B5. It was doing the virtual sets before anyone (though they were of dubious quality to be sure).

Actually, B5 was doing those too--sets like the Sanctuary and Narn ship bridges were virtual.

 

[Orintho]

I am cynical about this and believe that those who complain about the production costs are comparing such shows to the much more inexpensive reality TV fare that is now so prevalent.

 

[Trekker4747]

B5 definately had good effects for its time, when you go back and watch it now, there is definately a toonish appearance to the CG. Even JMS has said that he wishes he could go back and fix some of it.

B5's effects always looked toonish to me and out of a good (for the time) computer video game.

But compare ot to the CGI work Trek was doing at the time (DS9) and it pales.

 

[FalTorPan]

I never had a problem with Babylon 5's visual effects. The story's the thing.