Although they might sound similar, visual effects (VFX) and special effects (SFX) are actually quite different and not terms that can be used interchangeably. Let’s dive into what each is and then explore which one is more appropriate in different circumstances.
What is VFX?
VFX are the effects added to videos in post-production. In other words, these are elements that weren’t physically present at the time of filming but that are added later. This means VFX encompasses a wide range of effects.
They can come in many forms, from elements that are so realistic they’re designed to blend seamlessly with the real-life scene (such as the addition of rain, for instance), to animations and the likes of computer-generated imagery (CGI) – we’ll come back to this in a minute!
Ultimately the VFX you can add to any video is only limited by your imagination. If you can visualise it, we can create it.
What is SFX?
SFX are effects that are physically created at the time of filming – think controlled explosions or the alien bursting out of Kane’s chest in the original Alien movie. They encompass a wide range of elements too, such as pyrotechnics, prosthetics or even fake snow.
The differentiator here is that these elements are physically present for filming. This means that the actors can react in real time to what’s happening around them, rather than having to imagine being able to see something that will be added in post-production.
What about CGI?
CGI is a component of VFX and is a term that refers to any elements that are created digitally (the name says it all really!). Most often, CGI is used in reference to 3D animations that are used in movies, TV shows or other videography.
As computers and the software we have access to has improved dramatically, more and more productions use CGI to bring characters, creatures and even whole environments to life in a way that simply wasn’t possible in the past when we were limited to SFX. Think of the Avatar movies, where entire ecosystems were computer-generated.
What’s better, VFX or SFX?
Neither one is better than the other, because they both serve different purposes. VFX is fantastic because the only limit to what you can create is your imagination, so it’s brilliant if you want to add a weird and wonderful character to a production, or even if you want to have humans carrying out stunts that defy the laws of physics.
VFX can also be used in much more subtle ways to enhance the appearance of what was filmed, or to add realistic elements to a scene. It’s incredibly versatile and when you’re working with a team who are experienced in post-production, it can unleash your creativity.
As we’ve mentioned, SFX is great when you want actors to interact with a specific scene. But it requires very different skills to do well. For instance, many SFX artists have trained as sculptors, makeup artists or in another physical discipline like pyrotechnics or even engineering.
Meanwhile, VFX artists and post-production specialists have trained in using the digital tools required to enhance video. That’s not to say some don’t have an artistic background, because many do, but using software to create a monster is a bit different to sculpting a model out of clay!
These days, we increasingly see a blend of SFX and VFX in creative projects, where special effects are included at the time of filming and VFX is introduced in post-production to enhance how they look as well as to add other elements. Both have their place in modern filmmaking.