"We live in a deeply cynical culture," said Alison Hearn, a professor in the faculty of information and media studies at the University of Western Ontario, [we are] constantly aware that the images and storylines we consume may have been manipulated, Photoshopped or fabricated entirely. But the Olympic opening ceremonies are different, she said, occupying a special place midway between entertainment spectacle and serious news event with political overtones, and there are higher expectations of authenticity..." » full story

FinalDog writes: "Even the giant television screens within the stadium itself broadcast the fake images. Stunned viewers thought they were watching the string of fireworks filmed from above by a
helicopter. But in reality they were watching a 3D graphics sequence that took almost a year to produce. It even included a 'camera shake' to mimic the effect of filming from a helicopter. "

"In an age of digital manipulation, many people believe that snapshots and family photos need no longer stand as a definitive record of what was, but instead, of what they wish it was...' The entire media climate is filled with manipulation,' said Fred Ritchin, a professor of photography and imaging at New York University. Therefore, he added, ' on the level of family and friends, there's much less resistance to altering images.'"