Alexo

CG has always been and will always be a hack I think - debating the best CG is kind of like debating the 'most realistic miniature'. The more real elements you include (ie. real sunlight, real objects, photographed background plates) the less there is to offend your eye.

To me, the tools are getting so good (GI, HDRI lighting, MoCap) that 'seamless/not seamless' is soon going to be the only judging criteria. Of course along with visual aesthetic which will always occur in film whether you're using a physical camera or virtual.

I just wanted to clarify that it's very misleading to say that this film cost $7000. It cost $7000 and several years of Shane's life, as well as a torrent of favours from his friends, family and others.

Why is this an important distinction? Because you can't calculate or quote business investment and return while discarding the cost of people working for several years on a project for free.

Saying that Primer cost Shane Carruth $7000 to make is like saying that The Harry Potter Book Series cost J K Rowling 19 ink cartridges.

It's important to appreciate what Shane achieved with such few resources though, and it's interesting to note also that he was a software engineer before making his way into filmmaking.