VFX

Visual effects (VFX) are imagery created or manipulated outside a live-action shot to augment what appears on screen. VFX can generate environments, objects, and action that cannot be filmed in reality. It is often contrasted with practical effects, which are produced on set; VFX typically handles elements that are dangerous, expensive, or impractical to capture in camera.

VFX originated with optical printing, matte paintings, and other compositing techniques in early cinema. The digital era of the 1990s introduced advanced compositing and three-dimensional graphics, enabling more seamless integration with live footage and increasingly sophisticated simulations.

Key techniques include green- or blue-screen keying, rotoscoping, tracking and matchmoving, digital doubles, and particle or fluid simulations. Artists use 3D modeling and texturing, lighting, and rendering to produce assets, then composite them with live plates. Common tools include Nuke and After Effects for compositing; Maya, Houdini, 3ds Max, or Blender for creation; RenderMan, Arnold, or V-Ray for rendering.

VFX work follows a pipeline of planning, on-set data capture, asset creation, simulation, lighting, rendering, and compositing, with review and revision throughout. The field is supported by dedicated studios and in-house teams, led by a VFX supervisor. Recent trends include virtual production and real-time rendering using game engines.