Cinematic Secrets Revealed: 22 Unforgettable Behind-the-Scenes Shots Featuring Epic Practical Effects

Jimmy Henton
Dec 17, 2023
Dec 17, 2023

Ever wondered how movie magic comes to life? It's not just the director of photography weaving their wizardry—there's a whole crew of unsung heroes! Picture this: while the DOP is crafting the illusion on screen, the art department is busy conjuring up fantastical sets, the effects team is waving their magic wands and a bunch of other crew members are pulling off feats that would make a magician jealous.

Whether they're building a shark that could give Jaws a run for its money or making a pen defy gravity, these behind-the-scenes wizards invest months, sometimes years, to ensure our jaws drop. Bored Panda has compiled a spellbinding collection of photos revealing the enchanting secrets behind popular movies.

From mind-blowing props to jaw-dropping models, masks, puppets, and even robots—this is the real Hogwarts for movie-making! Get ready to see the unbelievable become, well, believably unbelievable!

#1. Corpse Bride (2005)

22 Unforgettable Behind-the-Scenes Shots Featuring Epic Practical Effects

Source: Pinterest

Countless hours poured into meticulously crafting miniature models, transforming the set into a world of intricate details.

#2. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Source: Pinterest

The apparatus responsible for capturing the unforgettable opening credits of the film.

#3. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

Source: Pinterest

Kenny Baker refueling during a break in filming.

#4. Jurassic Park (1993)

Source: Pinterest

The on-set appearance of the life-size T-Rex animatronic.

#5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Source: Pinterest

Stanley Kubrick ingeniously brought the "floating pen" to life by having the crew affix it to a sizable sheet of glass, which was then skillfully rotated to create the illusion of free-floating.

#6. The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

Source: Pinterest

This prop became the go-to tool for filmmakers capturing close-up shots of the ring.

#7. Labyrinth (1986)

Source: Pinterest

To film the "Helping Hands" scene, filmmakers crafted over 100 pairs of latex hands.

#8. Alien³ (1992)

Source: Pinterest

Bolaji Badejo, the Nigerian student who donned the Alien suit in his sole film appearance, takes a moment to relax during a filming break. The physically demanding role required him to wear a latex costume that posed significant challenges to breathing.

#9. Star Wars: Episodes I & II

Source: Pinterest

Adam Savage, the Mythbuster, contributed his skills as a model maker to both Star Wars Episode I and II.

#10. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Source: Pinterest

Steven Spielberg captured point-of-view shots for E.T. using a camera covered in a white cloth with two symmetrical holes.

#11. Back To The Future Part II (1989)

Source: Pinterest

A glimpse behind the scenes reveals the effects crew diligently working on Marty McFly's auto-adjusting and auto-drying jacket.

#12. Face/Off (1997)

Source: Pinterest

A specially crafted John Travolta torso took the spotlight, serving its purpose in the filming of the skin removal scene.

#13. The Hunt For Red October (1990)

Source: Pinterest

Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin strike a pose for a photo on the set.

#14. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Source: Pinterest

Director Wes Anderson collaborates with actor Ralph Fiennes, who peers through the window of a "train" during filming.

#15. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)

Source: Pinterest

For the bee ride scene, a colossal robotic bee was constructed, with the final touches seamlessly integrated during post-production.

#16. Goldfinger (1964)

Source: Pinterest

The iconic scene featuring a laser cutting through a table in "Goldfinger" had a touch of reality to it. To capture the suspenseful moment, a crew member positioned under the table used an acetylene torch to actually cut through the table from beneath.

The genuine nervous expression on Sean Connery's face likely stemmed from the tangible tension of the practical effect unfolding before him. This behind-the-scenes tidbit adds a layer of authenticity to the memorable cinematic moment, showcasing the creative and hands-on approaches taken by the filmmakers of the James Bond classic.

#17. Men In Black (1997)

Source: Pinterest

The tangible extraterrestrial is featured in the movie.

#18. Raise The Titanic (1980)

Source: Pinterest

A diver strategically places a 55-foot scale model of the Titanic.

#19. Jaws (1975)

Source: Pinterest

Crew members are hard at work constructing Bruce, the animatronic shark.

#20. The Muppet Movie (1979)

Source: Pinterest

Muppeteers, led by Jim Henson, collaborated on the set.

#21. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)

Source: Pinterest

The filming of the plane crash scene involved intricate techniques. Special effects teams orchestrated the sequence using a combination of practical effects and visual effects.

Cinematic Secrets Revealed: 22 Unforgettable Behind-the-Scenes Shots Featuring Epic Practical Effects

#1. Corpse Bride (2005)

#2. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

#3. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

#4. Jurassic Park (1993)

#5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

#6. The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

#7. Labyrinth (1986)

#8. Alien³ (1992)

#9. Star Wars: Episodes I & II

#10. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

#11. Back To The Future Part II (1989)

#12. Face/Off (1997)

#13. The Hunt For Red October (1990)

#14. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

#15. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)

#16. Goldfinger (1964)

#17. Men In Black (1997)

#18. Raise The Titanic (1980)

#19. Jaws (1975)

#20. The Muppet Movie (1979)

#21. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)

Related Articles