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How do they make dinosaurs in Jurassic Park?

Published in Film Production 5 mins read

In the fantastical world of Jurassic Park, dinosaurs are resurrected through ingenious genetic engineering, while for the audience, their stunning on-screen presence is achieved through a masterful blend of animatronics and computer-generated imagery (CGI).

The Fictional Science: Cloning Extinct Species in the Jurassic Park Universe

Within the narrative of the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films, the creation of dinosaurs is a triumph of genetic science, spearheaded by the fictional company InGen (International Genetic Technologies).

  • DNA Extraction: The foundational step involves extracting viable dinosaur DNA. This is achieved by finding ancient mosquitos preserved in amber, which had previously fed on dinosaurs. The blood meals within these fossilized insects contain the genetic material of the prehistoric creatures.
  • DNA Reconstruction and Gap-Filling: The extracted dinosaur DNA is often incomplete or degraded due to the passage of millions of years. To create a full genetic sequence, geneticists fill in these missing gaps using the DNA of modern amphibians, specifically frogs. This choice, while practical for filling genetic gaps, later becomes a critical plot point due to frogs' ability to change sex in a single-sex environment.
  • Cloning Process: The reconstructed, complete dinosaur genome is then inserted into an enucleated egg cell (an egg with its own nucleus removed). This modified egg is stimulated to divide and grow, eventually forming a dinosaur embryo. The embryo is then incubated in artificial wombs until it hatches, bringing the extinct species back to life.
  • Population Control Measures: Initially, InGen attempted to control the dinosaur population by engineering all cloned dinosaurs to be female. However, the amphibian DNA used to fill gaps in the genetic code introduced an unforeseen variable, allowing some dinosaurs to spontaneously change sex, leading to uncontrolled breeding on Isla Nublar.

Bringing Dinosaurs to Life On-Screen: A Special Effects Masterclass

The breathtaking realism of the dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films is a testament to groundbreaking special effects that redefined cinematic creature creation. The various creatures were created through a seamless combination of advanced animatronics and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI), setting new industry standards for visual effects.

Animatronics: Tangible Terror and Close-Up Realism

For scenes demanding physical interaction, intricate movements, or a palpable sense of presence, highly detailed, full-scale animatronic puppets and models were employed. These mechanical marvels provided a tangible element that actors could react to, offering a level of realism difficult to achieve solely with digital effects at the time.

  • Physical Presence: Animatronics provided a real, physical entity on set, allowing light to interact naturally with the models and giving actors a direct visual and emotional cue.
  • Examples of Animatronic Use:
    • The iconic T-Rex attacking the Ford Explorer in the first film, particularly the close-ups of its head and snapping jaws, was an incredibly detailed animatronic.
    • The sickly, breathing Triceratops that Ellie Sattler examines was a massive, fully realized animatronic, allowing for intimate scenes.
    • Baby dinosaurs hatching from eggs or small creatures like the Dilophosaurus spitting venom were often accomplished with animatronics or complex puppetry.

CGI: Dynamic Movement and Epic Scale

For wide shots, rapid movements, or scenes featuring large numbers of dinosaurs and complex interactions, computer-generated imagery (CGI) was revolutionary. CGI enabled the depiction of fluid, lifelike motion, realistic muscle flexion, and seamless integration into dynamic environments that would be impossible with physical models.

  • Digital Innovation: CGI allowed filmmakers to depict full-body dinosaur movements, such as running, jumping, or fighting, with unprecedented agility and realism.
  • Expanding Possibilities: This technology made possible iconic sequences like the Gallimimus stampede, the swift pursuits of raptors, and the soaring flight of Pteranodons.
  • Industry Leaders: For each film in the franchise, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has been the primary studio responsible for handling the dinosaur scenes that required CGI. Their expertise was crucial in rendering textures, lighting, and movement to make the digital dinosaurs appear indistinguishable from real animals.

The Synergy of Techniques: A Seamless Illusion

The brilliance of the Jurassic Park films lies in their masterful and strategic blend of both animatronics and CGI. Filmmakers carefully chose the most effective technique for each specific shot, often combining them within the same sequence to maximize realism and immerse audiences in the prehistoric world. This hybrid approach created an enduring benchmark for creature effects in cinema.

Animatronics vs. CGI in Jurassic Park Films

Feature Animatronics (Physical Models) CGI (Digital Models)
Strengths - Provides physical presence and tangible interaction - Allows for fluid, complex movements and dynamic action
- Realistic weight and texture for close-ups - Enables depiction of large numbers of creatures (herds, flocks)
- In-camera realism, natural interaction with physical lighting - Permits impossible camera angles and seamless environmental interaction (e.g., splashing water, crushing foliage)
Limitations - Limited range of movement; challenging for full-body action - Can sometimes lack tangible "weight" or perfect physical interaction (though greatly advanced)
- Expensive and time-consuming for large, dynamic creatures - Requires immense processing power and highly specialized artistic and technical skills
Best For - Close-ups, static shots, direct human interaction - Wide shots, fast-moving action, epic scale sequences
Examples - T-Rex attacking the car, Triceratops examination - Gallimimus stampede, Raptor kitchen chase, flying Pteranodons

By meticulously combining these cutting-edge techniques, the filmmakers conjured a world where dinosaurs felt undeniably real, captivating generations of moviegoers and setting new standards for creature effects in cinematic history.