VFX
Computer-generated movie magic
VFX is an abbreviation for visual effects—the digital imagery and manipulation added to film, television, or video in post-production.
VFX encompasses computer-generated elements, compositing, and digital enhancement that would be impractical or impossible to capture on camera: The VFX team spent months creating the alien landscapes.
Distinguished from practical effects, which are achieved physically on set.
Combining visual elements digitally
- rotoscopingTracing filmed motion frame-by-frame
- chroma-keyColor-based video compositing
- motion-captureBody movement recording technology
- keyingInputting via buttons
tracking · cleanup · color-grading · de-aging · stabilization · retiming · morphing
Interpretive depiction or performance
- simulationImitation of real processes
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- texturesSurface feel and appearance
- shadersGraphics rendering programs
particles · rigging · lighting · wireframe · subdivision · sculpting · displacement · destruction
Fixed animation reference point
- tweeningAutomated in-between frame generation
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
- interpolationEstimating between known values
- easingReducing strain or difficulty
motion-capture · skeletal · anticipation · follow-through · arcs · lip-sync · timeline · cycles
Violent burst of energy
- pyrotechnicsArt of explosive displays
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
creature · monster · superhero · transformation · disintegration · force-field · magic · portal
Planned visual sequence drawings
- dailiesUnedited film prints
- pipelineLong-distance fluid transport tube
- biddingOffering prices or obeying
- turnoverSales volume or attrition
iterations · deadline · crunch · outsourcing · vendor · supervisor · coordinator · plate
compositing
Combining visual elements digitally
- rotoscopingTracing filmed motion frame-by-frame
- chroma-keyColor-based video compositing
- motion-captureBody movement recording technology
keying · tracking · cleanup · color-grading · de-aging · stabilization · retiming · morphing
rendering
Interpretive depiction or performance
- simulationImitation of real processes
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- texturesSurface feel and appearance
shaders · particles · rigging · lighting · wireframe · subdivision · sculpting · displacement · destruction · physics
keyframe
Fixed animation reference point
- tweeningAutomated in-between frame generation
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
- interpolationEstimating between known values
easing · motion-capture · skeletal · anticipation · follow-through · arcs · lip-sync · timeline · cycles
explosion
Violent burst of energy
- pyrotechnicsArt of explosive displays
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
blockbuster · creature · monster · superhero · transformation · disintegration · force-field · magic · portal · weather
storyboard
Planned visual sequence drawings
- dailiesUnedited film prints
- pipelineLong-distance fluid transport tube
- biddingOffering prices or obeying
turnover · iterations · deadline · crunch · outsourcing · vendor · supervisor · coordinator · plate · reference
- SFXCGI, visual effects, compositing, green screen, blue screen
- visual mediafilm, video, drawing, photograph, television
- creative fieldsgraphic design, illustration, animation, photography, video production
- creative industriesadvertising, animation, broadcasting, design, entertainment
- Film Technologycamera, projector, film reel, film stock, cinematograph
- Filmmakingcamera, film director, camcorder, directing, script
Non-digital film techniques
SFX · practical · prosthetics · miniatures · animatronics
VFXraw footage
Unprocessed recorded material
documentary footage · location shooting · natural lighting · cinéma vérité
VFXraw footage
Unprocessed recorded material
documentary footage · naturalism · cinema verité · unenhanced · real