practical effects
On-set movie magic
Practical effects are physical techniques used in filmmaking to create illusions on set rather than through computer-generated imagery.
These include animatronics, pyrotechnics, miniature models, prosthetic makeup, and mechanical rigs.
The explosion was done with practical effects, not CGI.
Many filmmakers and audiences prize practical effects for their tangible quality and the way actors can interact with them directly, though modern productions often blend practical work with digital enhancement.
Mechanized lifelike figure technology
- prostheticsFabricated body part replacements
- puppetryManipulating figures for shows
- miniaturesTiny representations of larger things
- makeupProducts for beautifying faces
sculpting · modeling · molding · casting · rigging · silicone · latex · foam
Art of explosive displays
- squibsSmall explosive devices
- stop-motionAnimation using posed objects
- matte paintingPainted image replacing scenery
- forced perspectiveSize manipulation through positioning
rear projection · stunts · breakaway · fog machines · explosions · hydraulics · pneumatics · motion control
Appearance of being factual
- believabilityCapacity to seem true
- lifelikeResembling the real thing
- tangiblePerceptible by touch
- physicalityBodily, material quality
authenticity · convincing · naturalism · tactile · weight · presence · interaction · real-time
Dinosaur amusement park catastrophe
- E.T.Extraterrestrial being
- LabyrinthMythic Cretan maze
- The Dark Crystal1982 puppet fantasy film
- Blade RunnerOne who retires replicants
Star Wars · Ghostbusters · Pan's Labyrinth · The Fly · Gremlins · Beetlejuice · RoboCop · Terminator 2
animatronics
Mechanized lifelike figure technology
- prostheticsFabricated body part replacements
- puppetryManipulating figures for shows
- miniaturesTiny representations of larger things
makeup · sculpting · modeling · molding · casting · rigging · silicone · latex · foam · fiberglass
pyrotechnics
Art of explosive displays
- squibsSmall explosive devices
- stop-motionAnimation using posed objects
- matte paintingPainted image replacing scenery
forced perspective · rear projection · stunts · breakaway · fog machines · explosions · hydraulics · pneumatics · motion control
verisimilitude
Appearance of being factual
- believabilityCapacity to seem true
- lifelikeResembling the real thing
- tangiblePerceptible by touch
physicality · authenticity · convincing · naturalism · tactile · weight · presence · interaction · real-time · analog
Jurassic Park
Dinosaur amusement park catastrophe
- E.T.Extraterrestrial being
- LabyrinthMythic Cretan maze
- The Dark Crystal1982 puppet fantasy film
Blade Runner · Star Wars · Ghostbusters · Pan's Labyrinth · The Fly · Gremlins · Beetlejuice · RoboCop · Terminator 2
- Film Productiondirector, producer, editor, cameraman, crew
- Film Technologycamera, projector, film reel, film stock, cinematograph
- Horror FilmsThe Exorcist, Halloween, The Shining, Friday the 13th, Night of the Living Dead
- stagingstaging, stage, set, set design, set dressing
- Film EffectsCGI, matte painting, compositing, green screen, blue screen
- film techniquesdolly zoom, closeup, close-up, fade, wide shot
practical effectsCGI
Digital movie imagery
computer-generated imagery · digital effects · VFX · visual effects · computer graphics
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