SFX
Cinematic visual trickery
SFX is an abbreviation for sound effects or special effects, depending on context.
In film and video production, SFX typically means special effects—practical effects like explosions, prosthetics, or weather simulation, as distinct from computer-generated imagery.
In audio work, SFX means sound effects: The SFX library includes footsteps, door creaks, and ambient noise.
The X represents "effects" through the sound of its plural ending.
Crafting audio for media
- FoleyAdded film audio
- post-productionAfter-the-shoot work phase
- dubbingPost-production sound replacement
- ADROut-of-court resolution method
soundtrack · audio mixing · layering · sweetening · editing · sync · boom · ambience
Digital movie imagery
- compositingCombining visual elements digitally
- green screenSolid backdrop for compositing
- motion captureRecording movement for animation
- pyrotechnicsArt of explosive displays
prosthetics · animatronics · miniatures · matte painting · stunts · explosions · morphing · rotoscoping
Fabricated body part replacements
- latexMilky plant-derived polymer
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
- woundsBodily tissue damage
- scarsHealed wound tissue
aging · creature · monster · gore · appliances · molding · airbrushing · blending
Small test portions
- loopsSelf-crossing curved shapes
- sound libraryCurated audio clip collection
- synthesizerElectronic sound-generating instrument
- pluginsInstallable software modules
DAW · presets · reverb · delay · distortion · modulation · filters · bass drop
Rendered moving fragments
- shadersGraphics rendering programs
- physics engineSoftware modeling real-world motion
- ragdollLimp cloth figure
- explosionsViolent, rapid expansions
blood splatter · lighting · shadows · debris · smoke · sparks · weather · destruction
sound design
Crafting audio for media
- FoleyAdded film audio
- post-productionAfter-the-shoot work phase
- dubbingPost-production sound replacement
ADR · soundtrack · audio mixing · layering · sweetening · editing · sync · boom · ambience · room tone
CGI
Digital movie imagery
- compositingCombining visual elements digitally
- green screenSolid backdrop for compositing
- motion captureRecording movement for animation
pyrotechnics · prosthetics · animatronics · miniatures · matte painting · stunts · explosions · morphing · rotoscoping · practical effects
prosthetics
Fabricated body part replacements
scars · aging · creature · monster · gore · appliances · molding · airbrushing · blending · adhesive
samples
Small test portions
- loopsSelf-crossing curved shapes
- sound libraryCurated audio clip collection
- synthesizerElectronic sound-generating instrument
plugins · DAW · presets · reverb · delay · distortion · modulation · filters · bass drop · risers
particle effects
Rendered moving fragments
- shadersGraphics rendering programs
- physics engineSoftware modeling real-world motion
- ragdollLimp cloth figure
explosions · blood splatter · lighting · shadows · debris · smoke · sparks · weather · destruction · bloom
- Filmmakingcamera, film director, camcorder, directing, script
- Film AcronymsCGI, VFX, IMAX, MCU, DCU
- Film Soundsound design, sound editing, sound mixing, Foley, ADR
- stock mediastock photos, royalty-free, photo library, photo archives, video clips
- UK publicationsDaily Mail, The Telegraph, The Economist, The Guardian, Sunday Times
- PSUswattage, efficiency rating, semi-modular, rails, single rail
SFXraw footage
Unprocessed recorded material
live action · unenhanced · principal photography · documentary style · vérité
SFXraw footage
Unprocessed recorded material
reality · naturalism · documentary footage · live capture · realism