Special effects

Understanding Special Effects in Moving Image Arts

Defining Special Effects

  • Special effects refer to the illusionary techniques employed in films or animations aiming to mimic, enhance or distort physical reality.
  • These effects can either be generated during the filming process, known as practical effects, or added in post-production, known as digital or visual effects (VFX).

Practical Effects

  • Practical effects are those obtained in-camera, using manipulation of physical objects or scene elements during filming. Historical examples include makeup, miniatures, puppetry, and pyrotechnics.
  • In recent times, mechanical effects (using machines like wind machines or ketchup for blood) and optical effects (bending or distorting visuals through glass or filming techniques) are also used.

Visual Effects (VFX)

  • Visual effects are digital manipulations made in post-production. This often includes adding, enhancing, or replacing elements using digital software.
  • Popular visual effects include Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) which involves creating digital assets from scratch and compositing which involves combining different layers or elements into a single frame.

Understanding the Impact of Special Effects

  • Special effects are key in shaping the viewer’s immersion into the story. By adding, repeating, or removing elements, they can create realities that aren’t possible in real life.
  • They also play an important role in narrating the story, setting the tone, characterisation, and emphasising key plot points.

Ethics and Special Effects

  • The use of special effects comes with an ethical responsibility to the audience and the craft. Respect realism and avoid explicit content unless it’s artistically required and ethically appropriate.
  • Excessive use of special effects may overshadow the narrative and character development. Balance is key, always use these techniques to assist storytelling, not distract from it.

Final Thoughts

  • It’s essential to plan the use of special effects in the pre-production phase to coordinate filming and post-production effectively.
  • Familiarise with a variety of special effects techniques, as the choice of technique can greatly influence the visual style, budget, and schedule of your film or animation project.