Visual effects (sometimes abbreviated VFX) is the process by which imagery is created or manipulated outside the context of a live-action shot in filmmaking and video production. The integration of live-action footage and other live-action footage or CGI elements to create realistic imagery is called VFX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VFX involves the integration of live-action footage (which may include in-camera special effects) and generated imagery (digital or optics, animals or creatures). These images look realistic but would be dangerous, expensive, impractical, time-consuming, or impossible to capture on film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visual effects using computer-generated imagery (CGI) have more recently become accessible to the independent filmmaker with the introduction of affordable and relatively easy-to-use animation and compositing software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some common VFX software include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visual effects are classified into different types. These types can feature either during a film\u2019s production or in controlled\u00a0production studios\u00a0using specific software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is a visual effect that generates images using computers only, whereas other types use them to enhance or combine live-action footage. These images may be either 2D or 3D. However, a 3D representation of an image helps you achieve the best visual impact. Therefore, this effect is most useful when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this point, CGI is a ubiquitous type of visual effects. And it’s easy for people, especially those outside the film industry, to lump all visual effects under the banner of CGI. Granted, computers are necessary for nearly all forms of visual effects these days so it’s an easy assumption to make. However, the difference between VFX and CGI is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this technique, you record an actor\u2019s movements and transfer this information to a computer to animate digital character models. It is called performance capture when you capture the expressions on their face and fingers. In films and videography, motion tracking is referred to as match moving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Match moving is used to match an actor\u2019s movement against a green screen with live-action footage. However, today it is used to create incredible effects during\u00a0post-production. Hence, it promises a seamless movie experience. In addition, for accurate integration, you need to consider the below factors concerning the objects in the shot.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Actor Andy Serkis pioneered mo-cap through the digitally rendered Gollum in the \u201cLord of the Rings\u201d trilogy. This opened the door for the technology to evolve and actors to bring fully realized performances to CGI characters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compositing is a visual technique that collects visual elements from respective sources to create a single image. The single image makes the viewer believe that all the visual elements belong to the same scene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatively, the Chroma key is another technique that involves filming in front of a single-color flat screen. It helps you create realistic other-worldly scenes due to its technical prowess. This screen is usually blue or\u00a0green. However, depending upon your requirements, you can choose between any screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, a\u00a0green screen\u00a0is used when the movie set contains a background. However, a blue screen helps avoid distractions as it uses a black backdrop to hide objects or people. It is the most suitable for live-action and animated movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In its original form, matte painting was a special effect that involved shooting against actual painted backdrops on glass panels to give the appearance of a much more expansive set. In modern filmmaking, matte paintings are closer to a form of compositing: An artist will digitally paint a background, in which actors and objects are inserted later. \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d often used digital matte paintings to create its large-scale fantasy settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Filmmakers adopt different techniques to achieve visual effects. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A visual effect pipeline encompasses the different stages of production at which visual effects are added to a film. It happens mostly during post-production. There are 12 steps in the VFX pipeline. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A VFX artist creates a visual representation of the film\u2019s scenes during this phase. For this purpose, they analyze a character\u2019s movement and settings to define a shot through drawings. Then, the production team begins their work based on these inputs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pre-vis involves the participation of 3D artists and the production team to create a 3D representation of the scenes. This helps to decide the\u00a0camera angle\u00a0and skip complicated settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This phase is one of the most significant aspects of pre-production that determines the mood and style of the film. A\u00a0concept artist\u00a0designs the settings, characters, props, costumes,\u00a0lighting, and color.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this phase, a 3D camera is generated to help the VFX team to create 3D characters and objects. These are then integrated with the original footage through the process of rotomation. Rotomation is the process of matching a character\u2019s motion with the footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The layout or\u00a0production design\u00a0involves the visual representation of the final movie set:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 3D modeling and texturing teams work to promote cost-effectiveness. They are one of the first teams to be involved in post-production: the model assets, correct lighting, and shadows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this phase, VFX supervisors collaborate with the directors to decide to accomplish certain shots. In addition, they also invest their time in research to improve the efficiency of the final shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A rigging team develops a digital skeleton before animation and replicates a character\u2019s movement. They add bones and calculate and implement skin weights and muscles to achieve this.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The animators add texture to the rig and use custom controls to bring life to a character, prop, or vehicle. Finally, the movement of these characters is sequenced using software to produce the final animation. In addition, they use motion capture data to achieve the completed look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the animations are complete, the FX artist comes into the pictures to add simulations like\u00a0destruction, fire, liquids, smoke, and particles. In addition, they may indulge in creating footsteps in the snow or adding hair to a character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the visual effects are added and blended with the scenes, a lighting artist pitches to make the light color, intensity, and shadows seamless across the frame. These frames are then aligned to a camera angle and given to the compositor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the compositor layers the film\u2019s elements on top of each other. These elements create an illusion of a single image. In addition, they may add an animated character or overlay simulations to bring a specific effect. To know the practical examples of VFX in movies, you need to know some famous VFX examples in films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a vast difference between visual effects and special effects. To know when to use each of them in your film, you need to be clear of what they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n