Behind-the-scenes footage and DVD Special Features are often hit-or-miss. Sometimes you get the insight and insider knowledge you were looking for, and sometimes you get completely disposable filler. Well, this video from TED2009 (Technology, Entertainment, Design Conference, held in Long Beach, CA in Feb. 2009) is one of the good ones. Digital Domain’s Executive Vice President Ed Ulbrich gives a talk on the technology his team pioneered in order to create photo-realistic versions of Brad Pitt’s face at various advanced ages for David Fincher’s Oscar-winning The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

I’ve had more than my fair share of people ask me how they pulled off the amazing effects we see in Benjamin Button (why anyone assumes I know is another mind-boggling affair). Well, this video’s for you guys. It’s honestly a really interesting watch and it runs down the process without being too superficial or inundating us with information. Highly recommended. Those who want to learn more can check out Digital Domain’s website for more cool stuff. Thanks to /film for the heads up.

Tags: Brad Pitt, David Fincher, Digital Domain, Ed Ulbrich, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button