Most Common Types of Special Effects Used in Movies

Everyone loves movies. Whether it’s a lighthearted romantic comedy, creepy thriller, or adrenaline-pumping action film, there’s something for everyone.

Commonly, no matter the genre, you’re bound to see special effects. Here are some of the most common types of special effects used in movies to know before your next movie night.

What are special effects?

An illusion created for movies and television by props, camerawork, computer graphics, etc.

Here are the Most Common Types of Special Effects Used in Movies.

In this post:

Most Common Types of Special Effects Used in Movies

CGI

Computer-generated imagery, also known as CGI, is one of the most widely used techniques to deliver computer-generated images. Although images can be two-dimensional, CGI commonly includes three-dimensional computer graphics to create characters, scenery, or special effects in film and television.

Stop Motion

Stop-motion animation refers to still objects that appear to move on their own. Filmmakers physically move objects in small increments through individually photographed frames to produce a moving effect when spliced together. Clay animation, puppets, and plasticine figures are some of the most common items used for stop-motion features.

Motion Control

Motion control is another one of the most common types of special effects used in movies. It involves motion control systems to form an open or closed loop through various commands until the desired motion is achieved. Motion control photography requires various elements of same-camera motion to finalize a single image.

Green Screen

Green screens have drastically evolved since their inception in the early 1900s. A green screen is a chroma-key composition visual effect in which images or videos layer together to insert background footage while the foreground footage remains transparent.

Although bluescreens exit, green is the common color for TV and film given its neutral backdrop for foreground characters in darker clothes.

Live Special Effects

Lastly, live special effects or practical effects are a type of special effects produced without computer production. Springler rigs, pyrotechnics, make-up, prosthetics, and weather are some examples of practical effects that don’t require computer imagery. Traditionally, live special effects were the common option prior to computerized mechanics and CGI.

Whether working in film, television, or digital media, visual storytelling requires a vision.

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For young creatives, college is a great way to learn your craft while making the connections necessary to survive in such cut-throat industries. If you’re getting ready to head off to film school, take a look at these tips for first-year film students.

>>Tips for First-Year Film Students

Technology and the film industry go hand-in-hand. After all, cameras and editing systems are forms of technology themselves.

Different Ways Technology Is Used in Filmmaking

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