P1: EXPLAIN HOW VISUAL EFFECTS ARE USED TO ENHANCE AUDIO-VISUAL CONTENT
VISUAL EFFECT TECHNIQUES
CGI - Computer Generated Image The term is most commonly used to refer to 3D computer graphics when creating scenes or special effects.
This video shows the before and after when using CGI in Harry Potter. For one newspaper scene, green paper placed on a newspaper and in post-production a repeating video was placed over to make it appear like pictures on the newspaper are moving.
Digital Compositing The process of digitally assembling multiple images to make a final image. In t.v, it is known as ‘colour correcting’.
This video shows the process of using the visual effect technique of digital composition in the film the Life of Pi. In one of the scenes, they are using digital composition by assembling different images to darken the sea and also add a background of a cloudy sky, to make it appear the character was really in the middle of the ocean, which of course could not be achieved in reality.
Chroma Key A technique used to combine two images by to replace a scene's background by using a blue or green screen.
This video shows all different scenes from films and tv shows where the visual technique of chroma key has been used. In tv shows, these are commonly used and is done by placing a blue or green screen in a position where a certain appearance needs to be visually created. For example, due to either budget or travel restrictions, if a tv such such as Heroes wanted to have their character in the centre of New York, they would position green screens around them and render in the images of New York to make it appear like the character is actually in New York City.
3D Animation Sometimes referred to as 3D CGI, 3D animation is a type of animation that uses computer generated images to create animated scenes. Objects can be manipulated in a three dimensional space where it can be rotated and computer operated to move like real objects through control points.
Morphing Morphing is a special effect in motion pictures and animations that changes (or morphs) one image or shape into another through a seamless transition. First film to use this effect was Terminator: Judgement Day.
This video shows all the numerous of times the character Mystic transforms into her natural appearance. As shapeshifting is obviously not possible, the technique of morphing is used to give this appearance.
Rotoscoping This is the process of cutting out a small section of a piece of film digitally, then adding in something else (like the lightsaber effect from Star Wars). It is essentially removing piece of film and adding something in, sometimes frame by frame.
This video shows the steps of rotoscoping the lightsabers in the film Star Wars. First the props of the lightsabers were enhanced by the process of cutting out and replacing lighting effects, to make it appear like the actors were holding powered lighting weapons.
This is a scene from Star Wars of the finished resulted, after the props have been visually rotoscoped and lightsabers are brought to life.
Matte Matte is a physical, real painting on a frame. A Matte Box is a painting part where it is blacked out.
Matte paintings were used in the film Star Wars. This was done by a painter drawing on a frame to increase the the number of storm troopers and enhance the backgrounds that couldn't be achieved by other visual effects. The paintings are lined up on the frame to give the real appearance of the setting.
P2: EXPLAIN HOW SPECIAL EFFECTS ARE USED TO ENHANCE AUDIO-VISUAL CONTENT
SPECIAL EFFECTS TECHNIQUES
Scale Models Scale models is a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size of the object represented.
The scale model of Hogwarts in the film Harry Potter.
This image is from the behind the scenes of Star Wars, where they used scale models of ships in Star Wars by holding and directing the movements of the scale model close to the camera. Lighting is also used to enhance the realism of the model, to make it appear full size and in space on film.
Makeup and Prosthetics Bloody wounds, bruises, black eyes can be created using make up, for example the makeup look for the Joker. Creature creations would be used through prosthetics, for example materials used to layer and build on faces to be a zombie.
Prosthetic makeup, also known as special effect makeup, has the process of sculpting and moulding to give a cosmetic effect. The face is often used as a base, for example, people spend hours having makeup put on them to give the appearance of a zombie, by making the colours of their face worn and rotten. Different materials are used to layer to build on to the base to create creatures in films.
Mechanised Props Props that are animatronics (robots with material that looks like skin), for example Jurassic Park dinosaurs and Yoda from Star Wars.
These are used to enhance films by giving a realistic effect, especially in close up shots, that couldn't be achieved by using visual effects, such as CGI. For example, Yoda is a character that was best created as a mechanised prop than a actual person casted.
Stunt Props Stunt props are props that can be damaged or broken, as they are there for the purpose of being broken. For example, sugar glass that breaks easily and is not harmful.
In Jurassic World, stunt props are used for actors in action scenes. The guns in the film are designed to stunt props by the material being rubber. This therefore makes it easier for the actors to carry and drop the props without worrying they will break. Another example of a stunt prop is sugar glass, which has the same appearance of glass but breaks easily and is not harmful when smashed.
Animatronics Animatronics are mechanised props, and were the popular special effect option when something was needed to be created before digital effects came into use. They can either be electronically operated or hand controlled using machinery.
Through a range of materials and prosthetics, animals, creators or a deformed human model is created. They are used like puppets and although they may only be able to perform a limited range of movements, every movement is directed to present a realistic performance, bringing the creation to life and enhance the film.