 EBS offers the life of dinosaurs that roamed here in Korea through the documentary ``Koreanosaurus.'' / Courtesy of EBS |
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Few may know that the Korean Peninsula was a haven for dinosaurs 80 million years ago. To show what it looked like back then, the Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) will bring the gigantic creatures that roamed Korea to life in a three part documentary called ``Koreanosaurus.''
``Koreanosaurus'' was filmed in New Zealand because of the location's atmosphere, which still holds that Cretaceos period touch. After filming, the crew had to work on computer graphics for more than eight months.
Finally revealed in 3D at Yongsan CGV cinema, ``Koreanosaurus'' featured outstanding computer graphics, with realistic appearances and textures.
``Due to budget and time constraints, we had to make quick decisions of how to recreate the dinosaurs on screen. Thanks to our efforts in both filming and computer graphics, we were able to bring back the dinosaurs that lived here and also join the international scene of dinosaur films,'' Min Byeong-cheon, the director, said after the screening.
The documentary will take viewers to the Cretaceos period when Korea, Japan and China were connected by land.
The 150 minute documentary follows the life of a Tarbosaurus, from birth to old age.
Along the journey, viewers will see a number of dinosaurs, including the Pukyongsaurus and Haenamchinus, both named after locations here in Korea, as well as the Tarbosaurus, Velociraptor and Therizinosaur.
The dinosaurs look surprisingly real, although their movements were a bit awkward and did not perfectly blend in with the beautiful backdrop of New Zealand. Instead of using usual computer graphic techniques, the producers came up with a muscle simulation system that reduced time and effort but still provided similar effects.
``Usually, we try to use almost every muscle to bring even the smallest movements to the screen, but that took too much time and money. Through the muscle simulation system, we managed to only use the main muscles and still come up with the same effect,'' Han Sang-ho, the producer, said.
Another interesting feature is the music. Thanks to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, `` Koreanosaurus'' will offer orchestral music, which, oddly enough, blends well with the dinosaurs.
The makers of the documentary also reminded that next year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will decide whether the fossil site in South Jeolla Province will be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
``It's not impossible and we are hoping for the best. If they do decide to register the area, it will bring a whole new dimension to the study of Korean dinosaurs. We hope our efforts in making such a documentary will help convince the organization,'' professor Huh Min from Chonnam University Dinosaur Research Center said.
``Koreanosaurus'' will start airing tonight 9:50 p.m. on EBS through Wednesday. For more information, visit http://home.ebs.co.kr/koreanosaurus.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
