Ultra Cheap Movie Tricks and Practical Effects

Yes, smoke and mirrors, literally! All kinds of cheap ways of tricking the camera without using computers, green screen or CGI effects... the Markus way. This is how they used to do it in the 80s and 90s. Well, at least I did, lol. Miniatures, forced perspective, glass paintings, foreground miniatures, multiplane shots, fishing line, foam core, hot glue, and all kinds of optical mind tricks to amuse and tickle your fancy. These cheap FX can still be used with video cameras nowadays for those lacking money but full of inspiration and the desire to experiment. This was all filmed in VHS so please excuse the quality.
the Hollywood movie I made is called "To the Ends of Time" and is available on Amazon and the DVD is also at www.MarkusMovieDVD.com
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[billyoung]

This is possibly my favorite of all the videos here so far, because it shows that practical effects can be just as effective as CG, and don't have to cost a ton either. So many very clever uses of common everyday things, mixed with an exposé of some of your incredible miniatures and artwork.

[TUCOtheratt]

I really enjoyed this video! 😃👍 Old school movie effects are so much better than CGI and now AI taking over. I have made some mini movies myself and it is a ton of fun but a huge workload. I wish I could organize some quality help like you have done.

[DaBuild]

I miss these pratical effects so much 😢

[DOI_ARTS]

Practical effects will always have a special place in my heart.

[trollem]

This is the reason why I love watching low budget/B Movies. The ingenuity and creativity that goes into those kinds of Movies is unbelievable.

[Tclans]

This feels so much like a magician explaining his tricks only this doesn’t spoil the magic, it tickles the imagination!

[misterabroad]

Incredible. I prefer the 80s-90s special effects more than cgi. They just give more character and authenticity. Fantastic work

[henrykkeszenowicz]

As an amateur filmmaker with zero budget but huge ambitions, I thank you for inspiring and giving me lots of new ideas on how to get around my complete impossibility to mage CGI. Using mirrors to increase the room length is mind-blowing yet simple.

[coolbananaboy]

Markus, wow, it's unbelievable how you have retained that wide-eyed exuberance and enthusiasm that you had in over 35 years ago!
It's mind boggling what you have done, and still do, and how you do it.

[leokimvideo]

Just hearing the mention of Sega, wow that company was once massive, yet now it's barely mentioned. The 2000's were some very dark days for the company

[zouhairbenazzouz]

Markus I write you this from the bottom of my heart ! The biggest giveaway you offered us, is you existing and sharing your content. I really wish one day I will have the chance to meet you. Thank you, and thank your amazing muse for everything !

[DogmanNarratives]

I remember watching that programs as a kid. That was you!? You're one of the reasons why I got into CGI work.

[simonpayne]

It is all so simple. Anybody could do that!

But of course, the opposite is true. The mock-ups he shows us are really amazing and Markus has quite clearly a very special artistic talent for painting back-drops and building models coupled with infinite ingenuity. He almost certainly had to produce many of his solutions within much too short time frames given by the specific production deadlines.

From this particular video – and several others – I have come to the conclusion that he has always had a very special relationship to light-stands. It seems they have been playing all sorts of unusual supporting roles to him throughout his whole professional life. I guess, that if Markus should ever come in need of a tombstone – may this never be the case – a light-stand would be a much more appropriate decoration standing proudly in memoriam between the flowers. 😁

[cpl.barbarusc]

This is something that makes me admire this effects over CG, the simple materials and all the love put into this efffects.

[DelcoAirsoft]

These effects are honestly unbelievable. All of this magic has been removed from filmmaking. We need it back.

[nitaibishop]

Pure gold right here….dance on that edge baby!

[Beingherestill]

What a wonderful life Markus - thank you for sharing a part of your story. AND for it not being interrupted constantly with ads. You truly are an incredibly skilled and talented artist.

[dylantortosa]

This is insane. I haven't come up across this channel before, but this is such great insight into what you can do with what little you can have. As an amateur "filmmaker, " this is invaluable information to me

[WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS]

Dude as someone who grew up (and still is for that matter) enamored with the special effects of the movies, this is an absolute treat!

Really happy to have found this channel, this is like the answer vault for all my childhood puzzlement at how it's done!

[peffken]

"All you need is creativity and inspiration" You're my man, yes & yeah, that's the way... and thx 4 this nice inside footage of your work!