Modeling and Special Effects before Computers

This HBO behind the scenes from 1982 has some awesome mustaches, hair styles, music, and retro visual composition technology. This piece features the creation of the iconic 80s HBO logo. Every aspect of this intro stems from something very physical. Also, notice the tertiary role computers played at the time; motion control cameras. As you watch, consider this: Would it be more or less expensive (in time, money, and people) to produce a comparable, modern version of this intro? Keep in mind the high level of polish demanded by such commercial art.

via CGChannel