How do special effects work in movies?

Special effects, or visual effects, are an integral part of movie-making today. They are used to create environments, creatures or other elements that cannot be filmed in real life, or to enhance the realism of a scene.

Many modern films use computer-generated imagery (CGI) as a form of visual effects. CGI can create anything from realistic human-like characters to massive explosions and environments that do not exist in reality.

CGI is created by combining artistic skills with software tools. Computer programs like Maya or Blender are used to make 3D models of the desired object or environment, which are then animated to move and interact with other objects in the shot. After the animation is complete, rendering software is used to create a photorealistic image or sequence. This involves calculating the path of light in the environment and applying its interactions with the objects in the shot, resulting in a final masterpiece that appears on the screen.

Another form of visual effects is practical effects, which involve physical methods of achieving special effects like explosions, set pieces, makeup, and prosthetics. These techniques have been used in films for years and are still used today for their realism and tactile quality.

Practical effects are achieved through a combination of methods involving makeup artists, special props, and SFX crew. Explosions or stunts might be set up through charges or other pyrotechnic effects to make everything look real. Makeup artists are responsible for creating realistic-looking injuries, deformities, and other physical effects on the actors.

In conclusion, special effects are an essential part of the modern movie-making process, and they involve highly skilled artists and software developers working together to create visually stunning and realistic imagery that captivates audiences worldwide.