The HN headline is click-bait.
The quote is 'more efficient' rather than cost effective and article goes on to say that it may been more expensive.
I'm guessing that 'more efficient' means you buy a 747 and film it being blown it up and move on to the rest of the film.
Where as CGI or miniatures take longer and add more risk if they don't look right on the first attempt.
I'm guessing that 'more efficient' means you buy a 747 and film it being blown it up and move on to the rest of the film. Where as CGI or miniatures take longer and add more risk if they don't look right on the first attempt.