For Robert Towne’s ASK THE DUST (opening Friday), the filmmakers were required to recreate Depression-era L.A. in sunny Cape Town, South Africa. This necessitated a fair amount of digital matte painting and other vfx work, including a CG Angel’s Flight funicular railway in the downtown district. Leslie Iwerks gets a fascinating report from visual effects supervisor David Drzewiecki and computer graphics supervisor Neil Atkins. Meanwhile, Tara Dilullo explores Tippett Studios’ 3D work on Disney’s remake of THE SHAGGY DOG (also opening Friday). And Fred Galpern reviews After Effects 7.0 with a rundown on the latest features.

Bill Desowitz
Editor