practical effect
On-set movie magic
A practical effect is a physical technique in filmmaking that creates something real on set rather than adding it digitally later.
Explosions, animatronic creatures, rain machines, and prosthetic makeup are practical effects.
The term emerged as computer-generated imagery became dominant, distinguishing older methods: They used practical effects for the car chase.
Often shortened to practicals.
Ability to solve problems creatively
- problem-solvingAddressing challenges methodically
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- tinkeringCasual, unskilled adjusting
- inventivenessCapacity for original creation
adaptability · workaround · innovation · cleverness · MacGyver · field repair · jerry-rigged · quick fix
Mechanized lifelike figure technology
- prostheticsFabricated body part replacements
- miniaturesTiny representations of larger things
- puppetryManipulating figures for shows
- squibsSmall explosive devices
pyrotechnics · stuntwork · matte painting · stop-motion · explosions · breakaway · wirework · forced perspective
Deliberately untrue statement
- sculptingShaping material into forms
- mold-makingCreating shaped cavities for reproduction
- puppeteeringAnimating figures by hand
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
modelmaking · custom-built · handiwork · artisanal · mechanism · contraption · gadgetry · prototyping
Appearance of being factual
- believabilityCapacity to seem true
- lifelikeResembling the real thing
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
- tangibilityQuality of being touchable
physicality · weight · presence · naturalism · convincing · plausible · detailed · tactile
resourcefulness
Ability to solve problems creatively
- problem-solvingAddressing challenges methodically
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- tinkeringCasual, unskilled adjusting
inventiveness · adaptability · workaround · innovation · cleverness · MacGyver · field repair · jerry-rigged · quick fix
animatronics
Mechanized lifelike figure technology
- prostheticsFabricated body part replacements
- miniaturesTiny representations of larger things
- puppetryManipulating figures for shows
squibs · pyrotechnics · stuntwork · matte painting · stop-motion · explosions · breakaway · wirework · forced perspective · rear projection
fabrication
Deliberately untrue statement
- sculptingShaping material into forms
- mold-makingCreating shaped cavities for reproduction
- puppeteeringAnimating figures by hand
rigging · modelmaking · custom-built · handiwork · artisanal · mechanism · contraption · gadgetry · prototyping · armature
verisimilitude
Appearance of being factual
- believabilityCapacity to seem true
- lifelikeResembling the real thing
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
tangibility · physicality · weight · presence · naturalism · convincing · plausible · detailed · tactile · substantial
- invisibilityinvisibility, invisible man, cloaking device, invisibility cloak, vanishing
practical effectCGI
Digital movie imagery
computer-generated imagery · digital animation · VFX · computer graphics · motion capture
practical, effect, practice, practiced, practicing, practices, practicality, practically, impractical