Child of Earth; Help on Practical Effect

[idoler]

If this is better in the Post-Production forum, then move it there. However, it is not something I can do in post through CGI/etc.

This is for an assignment where I cannot use greenscreen/CGI effects. Obviously I can edit the shots taken, but I cannot over/underlay images into my movie from non-filmed sources.

I am trying to achieve a human growing from the earth. As a tree would in time lapse, not really the whole shambling zombie from earth aesthetic. I can't think of ways to do this via camera tricks etc. I don't think I will be able to budget the materials to make a fake earth or anything like that, so I am looking for an alternative/any cheaper ways to get this scene.

Thx.

 

[ChimpPhobiaFilms]

I'd build a costume for the actor/model, place them within a small hole, then make them slowly rise up. Really slowly rise up. Then speed it up in post.

Or - you could go the David Lynch route... sort of?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLIxS7Bdz10

 

[jmoschner]

To do it in camera only, you might want to try using forced perspective. Start with the person balled up, then as they move closer with each time lapse shot they can "grow" until they are full size and reaching up to the sky.

With forced perspective the trick is to place the smaller object closer to the lens, and the larger object further away. It might take a little practice to getting both objects in focus and correctly exposed. It is best to do it outdoors and to to frame for one object then have the other move closer or further from the camera to achieve the effect. Make sure to lock down the camera and if possible leave the camera rolling the whole time to avoid accidentally moving the camera between position changes.

There are some good examples of forced perspective here: http://www.drweb.de/magazin/35-splendid-examples-of-forced-perspective-photography/