VFX stands for visual effects, which is the process of creating or manipulating imagery outside the context of a live-action shot in filmmaking and video production. VFX involves the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery, which look realistic but would be dangerous, expensive, impractical, time-consuming, or impossible to capture on film. VFX is used to create realistic-looking environments and characters that are either too dangerous to actually shoot or worlds that just don’t exist. VFX can be practical as well, such as explosions captured on-set during a car chase.
There are three main types of VFX: special effects, digital effects, and optical effects. Special effects involve the use of physical props, makeup, and animatronics to create illusions on set. Digital effects involve the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create realistic-looking environments and characters. Optical effects involve the use of traditional film techniques, such as matte paintings and rear projection, to create illusions on set.
VFX is heavily used in almost all movies produced today, and it is also used in television series and web series. VFX software is used to add computer-generated imagery and other effects to moving media that does not happen during live-action filming. The main goal of VFX is to take something fake and make it look real or at least believable.
