Kurdish TV reporter keeps straight face under CGI attack

A Kurdish television host reporting on the Islamic State assault on Syria and Iraq has found himself at the mercy of a different kind of foe – his producers' overly ambitious CGI effects.

Video uploaded by the Rudaw Network on Thursday shows its presenter pushing on through gritted teeth as he is repeatedly interrupted and upstaged by the Hollywood tool.

Throughout the report, the journalist is forced to stand aside and raise his voice as the digital reconstruction designed to lend atmosphere takes centre stage.

The man stands his ground, continuing to deliver commentary as a Kurdish fighter opens automatic fire and three fighter jets whir past, dropping rounds over a graphic of a village burning in the background.

However, he is no match for a life-size tank which rolls into view before firing several booming rounds that drown out the host's voice altogether.

The footage has drawn a few laughs on social media despite its serious content, with some commenters pointing fun at the station's overboard approach and presumably costly budget.

"Now I know where (Star Wars director) George Lucas is working," one Reddit user wrote.

Another added: "This is what happens when (Transformers director) Michael Bay is hired by a Kurdish television station."