" If you need to do a movie where you have an army of 10,000 soldiers, that’s a very difficult thing to shoot for real. It’s very expensive, but as computer graphics techniques make that cheaper, it’ll be more possible to make pictures on an epic scale, which we haven’t really seen since the ’50s and ’60s. "
- John Knoll

The quote addresses the challenges faced by filmmakers when creating large-scale scenes involving thousands of actors, such as an army marching on a battlefield. The speaker points out that producing such sequences can be extremely costly and logistically complex. However, advancements in computer graphics technology are making it easier and less expensive to create these massive scenes digitally.

The deep meaning behind this statement goes beyond the technical challenges of filmmaking; it reflects broader shifts in how movies are produced and consumed. As digital effects become more sophisticated and affordable, filmmakers can achieve visual spectacles that were once unfeasible or prohibitively costly. This not only democratizes epic storytelling but also revives a style of cinema that was popular during mid-20th century Hollywood. Such advancements open up new creative possibilities for directors to bring grand narratives to life without being constrained by physical limitations.

John Knoll, the person behind this insightful quote, is known for his significant contributions to visual effects in film. He has worked on numerous high-profile projects and is particularly recognized for his role in creating groundbreaking effects for the "Star Wars" franchise. His expertise spans various aspects of digital filmmaking, making him a respected voice in discussing technological advancements within the industry.