Special Effects

Special effects are also shortened to SFX or SPFX and are used widely in the film, television and entertainment industries. They are not usually described as special effects these days instead are termed visual effects. The purpose of visual effects are to create scenes that cannot be portrayed under normal circumstances or conditions.

It is possible to stimulate scenes via special effects that would be hugely expensive or impossible to replicate otherwise. For example, an ocean liner, 16th century castle or space ship. Special effects are usually add to a scene that has already been filmed and they are commonplace in big budget movies. However, due to advances in animation software and its usability and availability it is now possible for amateur film-makers to enhance even low budget films.

There are a variety of special effect techniques. These include traditional theatre effects, through to machine plays as seen in the restoration spectacular as well as classic film effects that were developed in the 20th Century. Aerial image photography and optical printers are just two examples of these developments.

Another type of special effect is mechanical effects and these are usually achieved using live-action shooting. Mechanised props as well as scale models and scenery, and pyrotechnics are used to achieve these effects.

Although most special effects are added post production they do need to be planned for in the pre planning period and during the actual filming. Many production employ a 'special effects supervisor' in order to make sure that they are suitably accounted for.