Before CGI, artists hand-painted scenes and illusions directly onto glass—a technique known as *matte painting*. These detailed artworks were placed in front of the camera to seamlessly blend with live-action footage, creating vast landscapes, buildings, or fantasy environments that didn’t exist in real life. It was a meticulous craft that required incredible precision and artistic skill to make the illusion believable on screen. (Via: @charliechaplinofficial) #movies #history #reels #cinema #vi