Before CGI, before green screen: the visual effects technology as old as film itself.

A matte artist reveals how matte paintings were used to create an entire galaxy in the original Star Wars trilogy in the late ’70s / early ’80s (via Flicks And The City):

Production designer and art director Matt Hyland shares the process behind the glass matte shot in Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (2026) – more details in the full thread:

Camp Miasma hits wider release today! In celebration me & Brandon put together a more detailed look at our glass matte shot from the film. So many incredible people helped make this movie, and we're happy as hell it's finally out in the world.

See you at the movies! 1/🧵 pic.twitter.com/fw6IV586Oz

— Matt Hyland (@oneonetwothree) August 21, 2026

Matte painting also made this breathtaking ‘stunt’ possible in Charlie Chaplin‘s Modern Times (1936):

Further Viewing

Of course, the matte painting and effects work on the original Star Wars movies inspired generations – some of whom grew up to work for the very same company. Generalists at ILM span multiple disciplines in the creation of modern VFX:

The original Star Wars concept art by Ralph McQuarrie gives us more than a glimpse into how differently it could have turned out:

Film School: What ‘Star Wars’ Might Have Been