Hollywood's special effect on Cuban filmmakers

Filmmakers in Cuba are learning the tricks behind cinematic special effects

June 27, 2000
Web posted at: 12:49 p.m. EDT (1649 GMT)

From John Zarella
CNN Miami Bureau Chief

HAVANA (CNN) -- Young Cuban filmmakers are learning the latest and greatest in special effects from the Hollywood types who put the oohs in "Godzilla" (1998), the ahhs in "Titanic" (1997) and the awws in "Stuart Little" (1999).

A program sponsored by San Diego State University has brought some of the industry's brightest animators, special-effects wizards and photographers to the University of Havana for a two-week stint, which concludes Friday.

For students like Claudia Fernandez, the visit is a golden opportunity to learn more about the silver screen.

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Miami Bureau Chief John Zarrella looks at a unique cultural exchange for Cuban and American film makers Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K

"When I realized they were the guys that did that kind of film, I said, 'Wow, this is gonna be huge,'" she said.

The technology needed for gee-whiz effects hasn't been available to Cuban filmmakers, whose efforts have been rudimentary compared to Hollywood's. Now, with just a desktop computer and inexpensive software, they can duplicate that magic.

"The situation and technology of effects is changing," said Ken Wiatrak, a program promoter. "It's gotten to the point where they can now start to dream and start to think of using special effects in stories they create."

Student Oriel Herrera agreed. "If you have the right tools and the right software and mainly, the idea, I think you are all set," he said.

It may still be a while before the use of computer-generated magic takes holds in Cuba; money, even for basic computers and software, is extremely tight.

But money is not all that separates Hollywood from Havana. The Cubans say they emphasize storytelling and content in their films. American movies, they say, are all flash and little substance.

Maybe, or maybe not, say the Hollywood experts. But one lesson, they say, is clear: A world of special-effects possibilities is only a mouse click away.

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San Diego State University

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