What is VFX? A Comprehensive Guide

Ever wondered how a superhero soars through the sky or how dinosaurs come alive on screen? The answer lies in the fascinating world of VFX! What is VFX? It's the magic behind the movies, the unseen force that transforms a simple shot into a visually breathtaking spectacle. 

If you've ever been captivated by a fantastical creature or a mind-bending explosion that seemed real, then you've experienced the power of VFX.  This comprehensive blog explaining What is VFX will unveil the mystery behind this filmmaking superpower.  We'll explore the different types of VFX, how they're created, and the history of this ever-evolving art form.  By the end, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the creativity and technical wizardry that brings our favourite movies to life! 

Table of Contents 

1) What is VFX? 

2) Various Types of VFX 

3) How Do I Create VFX? 

4) Software to Create VFX 

5) What are the differences between SFX and VFX? 

6) Conclusion 

What is VFX? 

Visual Effects, commonly known as VFX, refer to the creation, alteration, or enhancement of images for films and other media in scenes that are not captured during live-action filming. VFX typically involves blending actual footage with these altered images to craft environments that appear believable within their context.

Such environments may be too perilous to film in reality or may be entirely fictional. This process utilises computer-generated imagery (CGI) and specialised VFX software. VFX producers work closely with directors and cinematographers to identify which scenes necessitate the use of green screens for later VFX addition.

In contrast to VFX, Special Effects (SFX) are executed live on the set and include practical effects like controlled explosions and simulated injuries. They do not require post-production computer work.  For instance, the dragons soaring across the skies in “Game of Thrones” or the spacecraft navigating the cosmos in “Star Wars” are examples of Visual Effects.
 

Various Types of VFX 

Here are the various types of VFX: 

Matte Painting
 

Traditional matte painting involved filming against painted backdrops on glass to simulate expansive sets. Today, it’s a digital compositing form where artists create backgrounds that are later combined with live-action footage. Shows like “Game of Thrones” frequently utilised digital matte paintings to generate vast fantasy landscapes. 

Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) 

Initially, CGI referred to the creation of 2D images like text, static objects, and backgrounds using computer software. Nowadays, CGI predominantly involves crafting or enhancing 3D environments, characters, and elements that are not present on set. 

In large projects, CGI has multiple applications. For instance, during pre-production, CGI artists might develop a 3D animated model of a scene, known as “previsualization” or “pre-viz,” to assist filmmakers in planning and modifying shots. This technique is also employed to construct entire scenes, set pieces, and sequences with VFX artists utilising algorithms and computers. 

Compositing 

Compositing is the process of merging two or more images to create the illusion of a single shot. A common technique in filmmaking is chroma key compositing, or “green screen,” where actors and props are filmed against a green (or sometimes blue) backdrop. 

In post-production, this colour is made transparent, allowing a different background to be inserted. Green screens range in use from simple tasks like altering the setting of a phone conversation to creating elaborate action scenes, as seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Motion Capture 

An enhancement of CGI, motion capture (or “mo-cap”) records an actor’s facial expressions and movements to overlay animated elements accurately. Actors don motion capture suits with sensors to capture their physicality and head-mounted cameras for facial expressions.
 

This data is then transformed by VFX teams into digital characters. Actor Andy Serkis’s portrayal of Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” series was a pioneering use of mo-cap, paving the way for actors to deliver complete performances as CGI entities. 

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How Do I Create VFX? 

Immersing yourself in the world of Visual Effects (VFX) can be a thrilling journey, and while watching films can ignite your passion, mastering VFX requires more than just a trip to the cinema. There’s a wealth of resources available for learning VFX, including online courses and specialised university degree programs. 

When it comes to creating VFX, you have two main avenues: 

Starting from Scratch 

To craft VFX independently, you’ll need to start with the right software. Although premium software often comes with a price tag, there are free options available that offer a range of features. A solid foundation in drawing, lighting, modeling, and photography will greatly enhance your VFX work. 

For DIY VFX, recording original footage is essential. This can be done with a smartphone or any digital camera. Here’s how to proceed: 

1) Making a VFX Shot List: Consider each shot as a layer in a composite shot, beginning with the background and layering forward. 

2) Selecting Locations: Determine the setting of your video or film and any location-specific considerations. You may need to capture footage from various places. 

3) Matching Lighting: Discrepancies in lighting between your background and VFX elements can be glaringly obvious, so it’s crucial to maintain consistent lighting throughout. 

Using Existing Stock Video 

Starting with stock video can provide a significant advantage. Some stock footage is specifically designed for VFX use, simplifying the creation of composite footage and yielding more polished results. Alternatively, you can film your own videos and enhance them with stock VFX elements like snow or explosions. 

Multiple online resources offer an extensive library of stock VFX and templates for popular software such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. These templates enable quick and easy integration of pre-designed VFX into your projects across various categories. 

Software to Create VFX
 

1) Adobe After Effects 

A leading choice for VFX, Adobe After Effects boasts a vast array of effects for image and video manipulation. Its AI-powered Roto Brush makes rotoscoping effortless, allowing for precise object extraction with minimal adjustments needed. While it does present a learning curve, most users can quickly become proficient with practice. 

Adobe After Effects is crucial in VFX since it has an outstanding array of tools which makes it possible for the artists to design very complex animations and effects. It has become almost a necessity for animators and designers who need to put into practice their creative ideas in an accurate and efficient manner due its compatibility with other software tools. 

2) Nuke 

Nuke caters to both novices and professionals with over 200 nodes and sophisticated compositing tools. It has embraced Machine Learning to enable effect previews across multiple shots, enhancing workflows like matte creation and beauty fixes. Nuke also supports industry-standard technologies such as Open EXR. 

3) HitFilm Pro 

Combining Visual Effects, video editing, and 3D compositing, HitFilm Pro is user-friendly and ideal for beginners. Its comprehensive feature set is favored in Hollywood productions and excels in chroma keying, particle effects, and motion tracking in both 2D and 3D. 

4) Houdini 

As one of the most sophisticated VFX and video editing platforms, Houdini specialises in fluid dynamics and character animation with tools like KineFX. This suite combines motion capture and keyframe animation for lifelike results, offering rapid rendering and advanced fur and hair capabilities. 

5) DaVinci Resolve 

This feature-rich video editing suite includes tools for cutting, colour correction, keyframing, and audio editing. It even enables audio transcription within clips for content-based media searches. Its AI-driven voice isolation track FX is perfect for cleaning up voice recordings. 

With a well-crafted interface and motion editing capabilities, DaVinci Resolve allows for the swift addition of professional effects using our customisable templates, all backed by Storyblocks’ extensive media library. 

What are the differences between SFX and VFX? 

Visual media has been utilising Special Effects for over a century and a half. In 1857, Oscar Rejlander pioneered the first special effect by merging parts from 32 different negatives into a single composite image, known as “Two Ways of Life (Hope in Repentance).” 

The inaugural special effect in motion pictures was crafted by Alfred Clark in 1895 for “The Execution of Mary Stuart.” In a scene depicting the beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots, an actor portraying Mary positioned herself at the chopping block. The filming halted, the scene was paused, and the actor was substituted with a mannequin. Upon resuming, the executioner’s axe fell, severing the mannequin’s head, creating a convincing effect. Such practical Special Effects continued to be the mainstay in filmmaking for the following century. 

It’s common to use the terms VFX and Special Effects (SFX) interchangeably, but they actually denote distinct concepts. VFX refers to digital enhancements added in post-production, while SFX are practical effects created on set during filming.
 

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Conclusion 

Now you've delved into the remarkable world of VFX!  From mind-bending action sequences to subtle enhancements, VFX are the invisible artists that elevate our movie experiences. So next time you're captivated by the silver screen, remember the magic behind the scenes – the power of VFX! 

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