Russian film studio Scandinava makes insane effects that will make you think are CGI – but they’re actually all real. Using practical VFX, a robotic arm, miniature models and other gear, these artists make the real objects look like they were animated. Check out how they do it in the video below.

Scandinava team uses a Kuka robotic arm to provide them with speed and accuracy while shooting. They use real materials to film live action and make it look like CGI. They use scale model miniatures for filming vehicles like tanks, ships or trains. A storm? It’s actually a kiddy pool and a water hose. They also film explosions at 1/16 scale.

The guys also use nature and wildlife in their videos. You can see a bird flying above the field in the video. In reality, the scene was shot in the studio. As explained in the video description, no animals were harmed in the process:

In order to get the delicate shots of the buzzard without causing any harm or distress to the bird, Scandinava used a hidden mesh harness concealed underneath the birds’ feathers with wires attached to each side of it to stabilize the birds’ body. In order to get her to open her wings, they blew air at the bird from underneath which made her naturally open her wins to ride the artificial thermal.

On Scandinava’s YouTube channel, you can see some more of their amazing work. They also share some BTS shots, just in case you can’t believe it’s not CGI. : ) So, make sure to check them out and see more of what they do.

[via Fame Focus]