Before CGI, movie effects were created with real physical techniques. Miniature models were used to simulate large environments and vehicles, while animatronics and prosthetics brought creatures to life using mechanical puppetry. Matte paintings extended sets by adding hand-painted backgrounds, and optical effects layered multiple film exposures to add energy beams, ghosts, and motion. Filmmakers also used forced perspective to manipulate size and distance through camera placement. | History In