Visual effects (vfx) is the term given to a sub-category of special effects in which images or film frames are created or manipulated for film and video. Visual effects usually involve the integration of live-action footage with computer generated imagery or other elements (such as pyrotechnics or model work) in order to create environments or scenarios which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or simply impossible to capture on film. They have become increasingly common in big-budget films, and have also recently become accessible to the amateur filmmaker with the introduction of affordable animation and compositing software.
Editing :: Filmmaking
3D :: Computer Graphics

'How Stuff Works' list of Visual Effects articles - 'How Stuff Works' has a good overview of serveral Visual Effects processes as well as Feature Film case studies
Blood and Media - Personal commentary discussing the realism of blood shown in movies.
Meta Description: [ Many movies and television shows employ fake blood to implement their stories. But in very few cases has the fake blood been utilized in such a way as to convey the surreal aspect of actually being exposed to large quantities of blood in a violent setting. ]
Cinefex - The ultimate in visual effects journalism. Cinefex takes its readers on a dynamic behind-the-scenes journey through the filmmaking process, with details of upcoming films with special effects.
Meta Description: [ Cinefex - the online guide to the ultimate in visual effects ]
EscapeStudios - School of Visual Effects - EscapeStudios, London school of visual effects, runs courses in 2D visual effects and 3D computer animation, using the latest tools and packages including Maya, Softimage XSI and Shake.
Meta Description: [ Escape is a primary source of talent, providing world-class training, software and recruitment for the CGI industries ]
Highend2d.com - Technical resource for 2D Compositing with an emphasis on Feature Film work. Hosts several high quality discussion lists.
Inside Skywalker Ranch - Fan's visit inside of LucasArts, Industrial Light Magic, and Skywalker Ranch
Meta Description: [ Tour LucasArts, Industrial Light and Magic, and Skywalker Ranch, the creative headquarters where George Lucas and thousands of staff produce special effects magic for films such as Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Trek. ]
KODAK: Motion Picture Imaging - Good general information and Case Studies related to Film and Digital Film. Contains an informative Glossary.
Lightsaber Effect Rotoscoping In A Premiere Filmstrip - Step by step instructions on how to create light sabre effects, by Darel Finley.
The Revolution of Special Effects in Movies - Article by Luis Carrera and Monica Bustamante about the history and uses of special effects.
Unofficial Industrial Light and Magic Website - Information on special effects company, its employees, its work, and its techniques.
Meta Description: [ ILMfan is the unofficial ILM (Industrial Light + Magic) page, one of the oldest web pages about visual FX and ILM in particular. ILMfan explores the past, present and future projects of ILM, the magic they create and the incredibly talented people behind them. News, discussion forums, credit data... ]
Visual Effects Headquarters - Magazine for professionals in the visual effects industry. Read reviews of work done for such films as Turbulence and The Relic.
Willis O'Brien - Special effects pioneer, famous for King Kong.
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