Creating the Stargate Portal | Shanks FX | PBS Digital Studios

The 1994 film Stargate combined CGI and practical effects to create the portal sequence in the opening act of the film. An air cannon was fired into a huge 500 gallon tank. We use the same technique but in a 2.5 gallon tank. The Stargate model featured in this episode cost $30 on Amazon. Look for another Stargate episode soon, as we will try and create the water vortex that shoots out of the portal once it is activated. If you would like to learn more about “multiple exposure“ effects check out the