Visual effects or VFX is the creation of any on-screen imagery creature that does not physically exist in real life. This technique allows filmmakers to create environments, objects, creatures and even the people who passed away in the middle of the film.
The film making has been using the techniques like SFX (special effects) as well. The question – Is there any difference between SFX and VFX?
SFX is achieved in real time during filming; examples include pyrotechnics, fake rain, animatronics, and prosthetic makeup. The VFX are added after the completion of shooting whereas SFX is added before.
The various techniques for visual arts used to make movies are –
1. CGI – Computer-generated imagery is the term used to describe digitally created VFX in film and television. The computer graphics can be 2D, 3D. The CGI is 3D modeling. The 3D creation of any object, surface, any living creature imagery or real. CGI VFX plays an important role when the characters are created like a dragon or a talking teapot. The visual effect can be more subtle also, like with the VFX the stadium can be filled with people, cheering of crowd or even change the age of an actor.
2. Compositing – Also called as 'Chroma keying', is VFX artists combine visual elements from all separate origins and is combined together. The technique of visual effect requires filming with the green or blue screen that is replaced later with the element using the compositing software in the post-production. The matte paintings are used to achieve in the compositing software. The examples of these can be Jumanji (the old and the new one) and the list is long.
3. Motion Capture – Also called as 'mocap' in short, process of digitally recording the movements of actor and then transferring them to a computer-generated 3D model. This process also includes recording the actor's facial expressions and is referred to performance capture. The common motion capture method which involves placing an actor in the motion capture suit covered with special markers that the camera can track or dots painted on actor's face. The recorded data is mapped onto 3D skeleton model using motion capture software
The movies have always attracted a large number of audiences with the VFX like Dinosaur, Treasure Planet, Chicken Little, Goosebumps, The Jungle Book, and many more to make the fantasy world better. The movies for children with VFX and 3D effect have shown a large number of turnover and the fan following for example, The Lion King.
The VFX artists are the best to explain the process and working off the technique, the digital experiences are best explained. The VFX has improved over the years as well with the various changes occurring.
Mark Anthony Austin is one of the digital actors who have gained experience and expertise.
He did his Bachelor of Arts Degree from West Surrey College of Art and Design in Surrey, England. Mark went on to make the filmed animated short, "Father" that was nominated for a BAFTA and eventually won numerous awards. After the success, Mark started his career in earnest at the Wyatt Cattaneo Animation Studio in London overseeing the commercial campaigns of the company's largest European brand names, including Tetley Tea Bags, Ribena and the Swiss Bank Corporation.
In 1993 Mark moved to Lucas Film's Industrial Light and Magic to work on Steven Spielberg's "Casper" and then given charge of the creature animation for the first "Star Wars" Special Edition. Mark moved on to Walt Disney Feature Animation as a supervising animator on such projects as "Dinosaur," "Treasure Planet," Disney World's 3D attraction: "Mickey's Philharmagic," followed by "Chicken Little" and then "Bolt."
In June 2009 to June2014 - Head of Animation at The Third Floor Inc., the world's leading and only international pre-visualization company. During his 5 years there Mark has had the privilege of working closely with such directors as Steven Spielberg ("Warhorse"), Sam Raimi ("Oz the Great and Powerful"), Joss Whedon ("Avengers"), Peter Berg ("Battleship"), Rob Cohen ("Medieval"), Guy Ritchie ("Lobo") and Marcus Nispel ("Conan").
Mark is currently working for BOSA studios on Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, designing attractions for a major theme park in Dubai, jumping between previs supervisor and animation director.
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