How was the movie Cats (2019) filmed? - briefly
The movie "Cats" (2019) was filmed using motion-capture technology, with actors wearing leotards covered in tracking markers to later be digitally transformed into feline characters. The sets were scaled up to match the size of the cats, creating a surreal and immersive environment.
How was the movie Cats (2019) filmed? - in detail
The 2019 film adaptation of Cats utilized a combination of cutting-edge motion capture technology, elaborate set designs, and extensive post-production work to bring the musical to life. The actors, dressed in motion capture suits, performed their roles on a scaled-up set designed to make them appear the size of cats. The suits captured their movements and facial expressions, which were later enhanced with digital effects to create the feline characters. The production team constructed oversized props and environments to maintain the illusion of scale, such as giant furniture and streets, ensuring the actors interacted convincingly with their surroundings. Director Tom Hooper aimed to blend human and feline traits, requiring meticulous attention to detail in the animation process. The actors' faces were digitally altered to include cat-like features, while their bodies were covered in CGI fur, a technical challenge that drew significant attention for its execution. The film’s choreography was rooted in the original stage production, with dancers performing complex routines that were later refined digitally. The musical numbers were recorded live on set, a departure from the typical practice of pre-recording songs, to capture the raw emotion and spontaneity of the performances. The post-production phase involved extensive visual effects work, with teams at Moving Picture Company and other studios dedicating months to perfecting the characters’ appearances and integrating them seamlessly into the environment. The result was a visually ambitious film that sought to translate the theatrical magic of Cats to the big screen, though its reception highlighted the challenges of merging live-action and CGI in such a stylized manner.