Thanks to television and movies, we all have experienced fantastical worlds that would not exist on our Earthly plane. Even if we do not enjoy the fantasy genre, we have seen them in action- in movies, commercials and video games. The visual effects allow filmmakers to create breathtaking imaginary universes and achieve stunts that are impossible to film in the real world. However, visual effects are not exclusive to blockbuster feature films. Filmmakers also use subtle visual effects even in grounded films for compelling storytelling.
Understanding the Concept of VFX
Visual effects, abbreviated as VFX, are the process through which filmmakers and other professionals create an imaginary or manipulated scenario outside a live-action context. The integration of live footage and CG elements creates realistic imagery, such as digital or optics, animals and creatures that look realistic.
However, these might look dangerous, expensive, impractical, time-consuming and impossible to capture on film. Introducing affordable and easy-to-use animation and composing software made visual effects or VFX using computer-generated imagery (CGI) popular and accessible to independent filmmakers.
Visual effects are different from special effects because visual effects or VFX require computers and are added in after shooting. Special effects or SFX include purposeful and controlled explosions, such as fake gunshot wounds, realized by SFX specialists on the set. An example of VFX consists of a dragon flying through the sky in Game of Throne or a spaceship flying through space in Star Wars.
The History of VFX- Visual Effects
One can trace the history of visual effects in filmmaking back to a French inventor, Louise Le Prince. His invention, an automated stage for motion pictures, involved the first-ever movie camera. Georges Méliès, a French invertor in 1902, began the use of the first know stop-motion animation. In 1908, he introduced the first use of a “double exposure” technique. In 1927, the process received further refinement by submitting the first practical optical printer. The printer allowed the creation of three-dimensional images. Soon it became the standard for all visual effects in Hollywood films until the 1950s. At this time, filmmakers started creating unique products through computer technology, which were impossible or impractical previously.
By the 1960s, the techniques became standard, allowing visual effects to play a significant role in producing feature films. The 1970s ushered in a new era of visual effects and the advent of digital technology allowed for the creation of more realistic and special events. It further led to the development of computer graphics, popularly known as CGI, which is today a significant part of the visual effects industry. The introduction of a digital camera in the 1980s gave VFX another technological revolution.
Later, the VFX gave rise to a new genre- “digital composting” that combines digital image manipulation with traditional visual effects. The “look” of the visual effects received refinement using digital technology. The 2000s have seen a new round of technological advances. Digital photography offers advanced and real-time digital composting, making it possible to integrate live-action footage into CG-generated images.
The Future of VFX
The future of VFX has become a lot more corporate than before. At the same time, special effects (known as SPF, SPPFX or simply FX) are illusions or visual tricks used in theatre, film, television, video game and simulator industries to simulate the imagined events in a story or virtual world. On the other hand, using visual effects helps you create scenes under budget and saves much time.
Moreover, with VFX, you can show impossible things, such as flying or dragons, aliens, and other items to your viewers, which otherwise might require visual tools. VFX will continue to hold significance in an ever-increasing digital world.
From where can I Learn VFX in Odisha ?
The best VFX institute in Odisha, Prism Media, offers courses to help the students learn industry-standard VFX and SFX skills and achieve their dreams. Prism Media emerged as a leading institution in Odisha in providing education in high-end 3D animations, VFX, filmmaking and photography, and multimedia. The faculty integrates knowledge, research, industry experience and international exposure to offer the best skills. The institute nurtures the students in developing world-class art while introducing them to live field projects and responsibilities.
Prism Media, Bhubaneswar, opens vast opportunities for students wishing to acquire knowledge in VFX courses at affordable fees. Join Prism Media Bhubaneswar to become a professional VFX- Visual Effects Artist. Career opportunities and job placements after successful completion of the course.