‘Shanks FX’ Recreates the Forced Perspective Effect From ‘Back to the Future’ Using Scale Models of the DeLorean

Shanks FX (see previously), a web series by Joey Shanks and produced by PBS Digital Studios, recently recreated the forced perspective effect from Back to the Future using scale models of the DeLorean and camera tricks.

Forced Perspective is a visual effect that can make an object appear farther away, closer, larger or smaller than it actually is. We followed a simple formula to get our 1/24th & 1/15th scale Delorean to match our backdrop.

Distance from Camera (ft) x Scale of Model = Distance between FG model & BG

We were shooting on a Canon 5d Mark II with a 17mm wide angle lens. This formula may change with different type of lenses used. This formula is a good guide to get you close to where you need to be, but tinkering will always be necessary.

submitted via Laughing Squid Tips