History Main / SpecialEffects

* MiniatureEffects - a particular kind of practical effect, often credited separately, using minature models.

** A less common usage is to actually trace the ''entire'' film image, creating a completely hand-drawn frame. Ralph Bakshi's adaptation of ''TheLordOfTheRings'' used this technique, and it was also used for spaceship shots in the 70s/80s ''WesternAnimation/FlashGordon'' cartoon.

We may proudly proclaim that we are impartial to the use of SpecialEffects in a movie, and value more that the movie have a brain (and presumably also a heart, lungs, stomach, and other major organs, but let's not go there or the metaphor might spleen away). But we all know the truth: SpecialEffects can make or [[SpecialEffectsFailure break]] a movie faster than a SerialKiller can cut the PluckyComicRelief in two with a machete in a shower of HighPressureBlood.

SpecialEffects can be classed into subgroups depending on how they were achieved:

Many proudly proclaim that they are impartial to the use of SpecialEffects in a movie, and value more that the movie have a brain (and presumably also a heart, lungs, stomach, and other major organs, but let's not go there or the metaphor might spleen away). But we all know the truth: SpecialEffects can make or [[SpecialEffectsFailure break]] a movie faster than a SerialKiller can cut the PluckyComicRelief in two with a machete in a shower of HighPressureBlood.

SpecialEffects can be classed into subgroups depending on how they were acheived:

* ComputerGeneratedImages or CGI - utilising graphics generated and manipulated by computer

** By tracing the outline of an object in the frame, a custom-shaped traveling matte can be created. This is how the (models of) Imperial Walkers in ''[[StarWars Return Of The Jedi]]'' were able to walk behind (real) trees.

Many proudly proclaim that they are impartial to the use of SpecialEffects in a movie, and value more that the movie have a brain (and presumably also a heart, lungs, stomach, and other major organs, but lets not go there or the metaphor might spleen away). But we all know the truth: SpecialEffects can make or [[SpecialEffectsFailure break]] a movie faster than a SerialKiller can cut the PluckyComicRelief in two with a machete in a shower of HighPressureBlood.

** Indeed, that famous scene in ''Film/SinginInTheRain'' where Creator/GeneKelly dances in the rain? That rain was milk mixed with water so it would show up on camera.

* ShotOnShitteo

* FatSuit

** Indeed, that famous scene in ''Film/SinginInTheRain'' where GeneKelly dances in the rain? That rain was milk mixed with water so it would show up on camera.

* NothingLeftToTheImagination

[[/index]]

* With older, non-digital cameras, using a black screen or cover so that only part of the film is exposed (and thus the rest can have something else filmed onto it.

** A less common usage is to actually trace the ''entire'' film image, creating a completely hand-drawn frame. Ralph Bakshi's adaptation of ''TheLordOfTheRings'' used this technique, and it was also used for spaceship shots in the 70s/80s ''FlashGordon'' cartoon.

'''Special Effect Tropes'''

'''Gathered here are some cool and corny special effects, for your reading pleasure.'''

'''[[AC: Blood]]'''

'''[[AC: Camera Effects]]'''

'''[[AC: Environmental Effects]]'''

** Indeed, that famous scene in ''Singin' In The Rain'' where GeneKelly dances in the rain? That rain was milk mixed with water so it would show up on camera.
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** Indeed, that famous scene in ''Singin' In The Rain'' where Gene Kelly dances in the rain? That rain was milk mixed with water so it would show up on camera.

** GreenScreening is an evolution of the same concept. Only by using a vibrant and bright color the computer can automatically know where to rotoscope for you.