History of Animation & Visual Effects

Module IV - Class 2

Prepared by George John. H.O.D. Animation. SJCC

What is Visual Effects?
VFX stands for visual effects, which refer to the creation of digital or optical effects that
enhance or manipulate live-action footage or create entirely new environments or
characters that cannot be captured on camera. VFX is used extensively in the film and
television industry to create a wide range of visual effects, such as explosions, fire,
smoke, rain, snow, or other weather elements, as well as computer-generated characters
or environments.

The process of creating VFX involves a combination of traditional art techniques, such
as drawing or painting, and digital technology, such as computer-generated imagery
(CGI), 3D modeling, and compositing. VFX artists use specialized software and tools to
create and integrate the digital effects seamlessly into live-action footage.

Some examples of films that heavily rely on VFX include the "Star Wars" franchise, the
Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Jurassic Park," "The Lord of the Rings," and "Avatar."
VFX is also used in TV shows, video games, and advertising.

Overall, VFX plays a crucial role in the entertainment industry, allowing filmmakers to
create stunning visual effects and push the boundaries of what is possible on screen.
Difference between Special Effects &
Visual Effects
Many people think that special effects and visual effects are the same thing, but they are
two distinct categories of effects used in film, television, and other forms of media.

Special effects typically involve creating real-life physical objects or illusions that
are captured on camera. Examples of special effects include explosions,
pyrotechnics, animatronics, prosthetics, makeup, and stunts. These effects are
typically created on set during filming.

On the other hand, visual effects refer to the use of computer-generated imagery
(CGI) to create realistic or fantastical environments, creatures, objects, and other
elements that cannot be easily created practically. Examples of visual effects include
creating realistic digital environments, characters, or objects, or using compositing
techniques to combine multiple elements into a single shot.

In summary, special effects are created on set, while visual effects involve creating
computer-generated imagery and are usually created entirely in post-production.
Special effects are when things are recorded on the set but visual effects
are done in the computer. It varies from one film to another whether the
filmmakers use special effects or visual effects. It often depends on the
budget that the movie gets. Often explosions in movies are computer
edited, but if the movie is expensive and has a high budget, the
filmmakers use real explosions if it is possible, as was the case in Batman:
The Dark Knight, where a hospital was blown to pieces.

Special effects cost significantly more than visual effects, though the
programmes for visual effects can be very expensive. It is not always
possible to blow up buildings because they are in the middle of cities. In
some movies or disaster movies, famous buildings are blown up, and of
course that has to be computer edited. A good example of this is the
destruction of the Statue of Liberty in New York in the film Cloverfield.
Special effects don't always stand alone; sometimes special effects
are used to make something very realistic, and then visual effects
are used to emphasise things that special effects can't do. A good
example of this is when the octopus in Pirates of the Caribbean
grabs a pirate with his tentacles; if you look at the unedited version,
you see that a rope grabs the pirate, and when it is edited, the rope
looks like a tentacle.

Special effects are not limited to explosions, though they are a

common example; they are frequently associated with stunts and
other scenes that have an impact on the [Link] pockets
are special effects; they are put into people's clothes so when people
get shot in movies, the blood pocket explodes so it looks like a real
shooting, and then you don't have to computer-edit the blood.

To keep things simple, all scenes for special effects are filmed on
location; no computer editing is required. However, scenes for
visual effects must be filmed on location and then edited on a
computer.
Movie Magic before the CGI
Oscar Rejlander - Trick Photography - 1856
In 1856, Oscar Rejlander created the world's first "trick photograph" by combining different sections of 32 negatives into a single image. The
Two Ways of Life: This was a seamlessly montaged combination print made of thirty-two images in about six weeks.
Rejlander's trick photography involved combining photographs of individual elements, such as people or objects, into a single composite image.
He accomplished this by creating multiple negatives of the individual elements, then physically cutting and pasting them together to create a
composite image. The resulting image could then printed as a single photograph.
Alfred Clark - Stop Trick 1895
Alfred Clark was an American film director and cinematographer
who is credited with inventing the stop trick, also known as the
substitution splice, in 1895. The stop trick is a special effect used
in filmmaking where the camera is stopped and then restarted to
create the illusion of an object appearing or disappearing.

In 1895, Alfred Clark created what is commonly accepted as the

first-ever motion picture special effect. While filming a
reenactment of the beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots he used
“Stop Trick” technique. The camera was stopped and the live
actor was removed and replaced by a dummy to have the head
beheaded. He then resumed the film to shoot the beheading.
Another famous man to have used this technique extensively is
Georges Méliès.

The stop trick is a cinematic special effect in which filmmakers

achieve an appearance, disappearance, or transformation using a
cut. It is sometimes also called the stop motion substitution. “Click to play the video”
Norman Dawn - Matte Painting
Matte painting is a technique used in the film industry to create
realistic, detailed and often large-scale backgrounds for live-action
footage. It involves painting or compositing images onto a flat surface
or a screen to extend or create a new environment that may be too
expensive, impractical or impossible to film on location.

The technique was pioneered by Norman Dawn, an American artist

and filmmaker who used it to create backgrounds for silent films in the
early 1900s. In his process, he painted a landscape onto a sheet of glass
and then combined it with live-action footage by photographing the
glass in front of the camera. This allowed him to create large, seamless
backgrounds that appeared to be a part of the live-action footage.

Today, matte painting is often done digitally using software such as

Photoshop and After Effects. This allows artists to create highly
realistic and detailed environments that seamlessly blend with the
live-action footage. It is used extensively in the film industry,
especially in science fiction, fantasy, and historical films, to create
breathtaking and immersive worlds that transport viewers to another
time and place.
Rear Projection
Rear projection is a technique used in filmmaking to create the
illusion that actors are in a location that they are not actually in.
The technique involves projecting an image onto a translucent
screen from behind the actors, while filming them in front of the
screen. This creates the appearance that the actors are in the same
environment as the projected image.

Rear projection was first used in the 1930s and became more
widely used in the 1940s and 1950s. It was especially popular in
Hollywood films where it was used to create realistic and
immersive environments, such as driving scenes, in which the
actors appeared to be traveling in a car or airplane.

Rear projection was eventually replaced by other techniques, such

as green screen and computer-generated imagery (CGI), which
allowed for more flexibility and control in creating realistic
environments. However, rear projection remains an important part
of the history of special effects in cinema and its use in classic Rear Projection
films is still appreciated by film enthusiasts today.
Mask Making & Makeup
Mask making and makeup are two important tools used in the world
of film and television to create convincing characters and creatures.

Mask making involves creating a three-dimensional mold of a

character's face or other body part, typically using plaster or silicone,
and then casting the mold in a durable material such as latex or foam
rubber. The resulting mask can then be painted and customized to
create a unique and convincing character or creature. Mask making is
often used to create prosthetic appliances that can be applied directly
to an actor's face or body to create a realistic transformation.

Special effects makeup artists are different from regular makeup

artists: Instead of beautifying actors and actresses, they often spend
their time doing the exact opposite.

Overall, mask making and makeup are essential tools in the world of
film and television special effects, allowing filmmakers to create
convincing and memorable characters and creatures that help bring
their stories to life.
Rotoscope
Rotoscoping is a technique used in special effects in which live-action
footage is traced, frame-by-frame, to create an animated version of the
footage. The technique was invented by Max Fleischer in 1915 and was
originally used to create realistic movement in animated films.

In special effects, rotoscoping is often used to add or remove elements from

live-action footage or to create stylized effects. For example, in the 1977
film "Star Wars," rotoscoping was used to create the glowing lightsaber
effect by tracing over the live-action footage of the actors wielding prop
swords with a colored line, which was then filled in with a glowing effect.

Another example of rotoscoping in special effects is in the 1999 film "The

Matrix," in which it was used to create the distinctive "bullet time" effect.
The effect involved filming the action from multiple angles simultaneously
and then using rotoscoping to create a single, slowed-down, and stylized
version of the action.

Rotoscoping is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, but it allows

for precise control over the final result.
 King Kong - 1933

Miniature Effects
Miniature effects are a type of practical special effect used in filmmaking, in
which scaled-down models of objects, buildings, or environments are built and
filmed to create the illusion of full-scale size. Miniatures are often used when
creating large-scale destruction scenes or when filming scenes in which real-life
elements are too dangerous or impractical to film.

Miniatures can be built from a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, or

metal, and can be as simple or as complex as needed for the shot. They can be
filmed using a technique called forced perspective, which involves placing the
miniature closer or farther away from the camera to create the illusion of depth.

One of the most famous uses of miniature effects in filmmaking is in the 1933
film "King Kong," in which a 18-inch tall model of the giant gorilla was built
and filmed with live actors to create the illusion of a massive creature.

Miniature effects are still used in filmmaking today, often in combination with
other techniques such as green screen and CGI, to create complex and realistic
special effects. They continue to be an important part of the history of special
effects in cinema and are appreciated by filmmakers and audiences alike for
their practical and tangible nature.
Miniature
 King Kong - 1933

Model Animation
Model animation is a technique used in filmmaking to bring inanimate
objects to life through stop-motion animation. The technique involves
photographing a series of still images of a model, each with small changes
in position or expression, and then playing them back in sequence at a high
frame rate to create the illusion of movement.

Model animation has been used in many films, TV shows, and commercials,
and is often used to create fantastical creatures, robots, or other imaginative
characters. Some well-known examples of model animation include “King
Kong” (1933), and “Star Wars” (1977).

The process of model animation is time-consuming and requires a lot of

attention to detail, as each frame must be carefully planned and executed.
The models themselves can be made from a variety of materials, such as
clay, foam rubber, or silicone, and must be able to withstand the handling
required during filming.

While advancements in technology have led to the increased use of CGI and
other digital animation techniques, model animation remains an important
and respected technique in filmmaking, appreciated by audiences for its
tactile and often charming quality.

Star Wars - 1977

Model Animation
Pyrotechnics
Pyrotechnics is the art and science of creating and controlling explosions and other forms
of fireworks or special effects. Pyrotechnics are often used in film, TV, and live events to
create dramatic or spectacular visual and auditory effects.

Pyrotechnic effects can range from small, controlled sparks and flames to large-scale
explosions and fireworks displays. They can be created using a variety of materials,
including gunpowder, explosives, and other chemical compounds, and are typically
controlled by a pyrotechnician using remote ignition systems and other specialized
equipment.

In film and TV, pyrotechnics are often used to create realistic explosions or gunfire, while
in live events, they can be used to create dramatic visual effects, such as fiery blasts, smoke
effects, and spark showers. Pyrotechnics can also be used to create special effects for stage
productions, such as lightning flashes or magical transformations.

Pyrotechnics can be dangerous if not handled properly, and the use of pyrotechnics in film
and TV production is typically tightly regulated and closely supervised by licensed
pyrotechnicians and safety experts. Despite the potential risks, pyrotechnics continue to be
a popular and effective tool for creating memorable and exciting special effects in
entertainment.
Optical Printer
An important innovation in special effects was the
development of the optical printer. It was developed
to make copies of films for distribution. Until
Linwood Dunn refined the design and use of the
optical printer, effects shots were accomplished as
in-camera effects.

The optical printer is a device consisting of one or

more film projectors mechanically linked to a movie
camera. It allows filmmakers to re-photograph one or
more strips of film. The optical printer is used for
making special effects for motion pictures, or for
copying and restoring old film material. Optical
printers were used extensively in the blockbuster
science fiction film, “Star Wars” to combine matte
paintings and for multi-element compositing.
Optical Printer
Sodium Vapor Process
"Mary Poppins," the 1964 Disney film won an Oscar for Best Visual
Effects. To bring "Mary Poppins" to life, Disney hired the engineer and
inventor, Petro Vlahos. His innovation eventually became the basis of
the modern green screen.

The process is not very complicated in principle. An actor is filmed

performing in front of a white screen that is lit with powerful sodium
vapor lights. Then a camera with a beam-splitter prism is used to expose
two separate film elements. The main element is regular color negative
film that is not very sensitive to sodium light, and the other a
black-and-white film that is extremely sensitive to the specific
wavelength produced by the sodium vapor. This second film element is
used to create a matte, as well as a counter-matte, for use during
compositing on an optical printer.

The sodium process yielded cleaner results than the blue screen, which
was subject to noticeable color spill (a blue tint around the edges of the
matte). The increased accuracy allowed for the compositing of materials
with finer detail, such as hair or Mary Poppins' veiled hat.
Sodium Vapor Process
Dykstraflex - Motion Controlled Camera
The Dykstraflex is a motion control camera system used in filmmaking to achieve
complex visual effects, particularly in the realm of motion control photography. It was
developed by John Dykstra and his team at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in the late
1970s, and was used extensively in the production of the first "Star Wars" film.

The Dykstraflex system consists of a specialized camera mounted on a

computer-controlled rig that allows for precise and repeatable camera movements. By
precisely controlling the camera's movement and exposure, the system enables filmmakers
to create complex composites and special effects shots, such as seamless composites of
live-action footage and computer-generated imagery.

The Dykstraflex system represented a significant breakthrough in motion control

photography, which had previously been a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. It
allowed for more complex and dynamic special effects shots than had been possible
before, and helped revolutionize the field of visual effects in filmmaking.

Today, the Dykstraflex has been largely superseded by more advanced digital compositing
and computer-generated imagery techniques, but its impact on the history of special
effects in filmmaking is still widely recognized and appreciated.
High Speed Cameras
High speed cameras are defined as a camera capturing moving images at a rate above
60 fps. In motion pictures high speed cameras were used to shoot miniatures for
special effects.

When using high speed cameras in miniature shooting, the camera's ability to capture
high frame rates can be used to create the illusion of fast-moving objects, such as
explosions or vehicles, with greater realism and impact. By filming the miniature
model at high speed, and then slowing down the footage in post-production,
filmmakers can create the illusion of a larger and more explosive event than would
be possible with traditional filming methods.

High speed cameras can also be used to capture the movement of water, smoke, or
other fluids, which can be difficult to achieve with practical effects alone. For
example, a miniature cityscape could be filmed with a high speed camera as it is
drenched with water or engulfed in smoke, creating the illusion of a realistic disaster
scene.

Overall, high speed cameras are a valuable tool in the world of special effects,
allowing filmmakers to create dynamic and realistic effects that would be difficult or
impossible to achieve with traditional filming methods alone. When combined with
miniature shooting techniques, high speed cameras can help bring epic scenes to life
on the big screen.
Animatronics/Realistic Puppet
Animatronics also known as realistic puppets, are physical creatures or characters
built with mechanical, and electronic systems that can create life-like movements
and expressions. These puppets are often used in movies to create convincing and
realistic creatures, aliens, or robots.

Realistic puppets have been used in many popular films, such as the "Jurassic Park"
franchise, where the animatronic dinosaurs were used in conjunction with CGI to
create convincing and terrifying creatures. The "Alien" franchise also utilized
animatronics to create the iconic chestburster and facehugger creatures.

While CGI has largely replaced animatronics in recent years, many filmmakers
continue to use realistic puppets in their movies due to the physicality and tangible
presence they bring to the screen. By combining animatronics with CGI, filmmakers
can create even more realistic and convincing creatures and characters.

Overall, realistic puppets have been a valuable tool in the world of movie special
effects, allowing filmmakers to create convincing and memorable characters and
creatures that bring their stories to life.
Animatronics
Questions
Part A
1. What is special effects?
2. What is visual effects?
3. What do filmmaker look for when choosing between the use special effects or visual effects for their movie?
4. Give two examples each for special effects and visual effects used in movies.
5. What is Vfx? Explain with examples.
6. What is SFx and VFx?
7. What was an optical printer used for in special effects?
8. Who is Alfred Clark?
9. Who is Norman Dawn?
10. What is pyrotechnics?
11. What are high speed cameras used for in special effects?
12. Explain matte painting.
Questions
Part B
1. What are the main difference between special effects and visual effects?
2. What is SFx? Explain with examples.
3. Is movie budget a deciding factor when choosing between special effects and visual effects? Elaborate.
4. Does special effects cost significantly more than visual effects? Elaborate.
5. What are the options available for a filmmaker to show famous landmarks destroyed in their movie?
6. Explain the use of the following techniques in creating special effects in film. 1. Matte painting, 2. Mask making and makeup, 3. Stop motion,
4. Animatronics
7. Explain the use of Rotoscope in special effects.
8. Who developed the Dykstraflex, motion controlled camera? What was it used for?
9. What is the difference between realistic puppets and animatronics?

Part C

1. What are the various options available to a filmmaker while shooting effects for films?
2. Write an essay on the technologies used in creating special effects before the advent of CGI.