What Is VFX? VFX Techniques Revealed

What Is VFX? VFX Techniques Revealed

September 13, 2023

What is VFX? This is the most searched keyword in recent years. This tool is considered to help the footage become more eye-catching. At the same time, it is also a technical tool that brings unique image quality and attracts viewers. Let's find out with Viewfinder Media right below the article.

1. What is VFX technique?

What is VFX? VFX technique is an abbreviation of Visual Effects or also known as VFX artist. At its core, VFX is understood as the process of creating or adding visual effects to enhance the quality, creating attractive and spectacular scenes. Usually VFX effects are used for sci-fi or cinematic movies.

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What is Vfx technique?

Thanks to the VFX effect, scenes that seemed impossible in real life have become attractive and vivid movies shown on the screen. In addition, VFX also helps the crew not only save costs but also ensure the safety of actors when participating in dangerous scenes.

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2. 3 Popular VFX cinematic techniques

On the market today, 3 basic types of VFX effects are commonly used: Green screen techniques, CGI techniques, and motion capture techniques. Depending on the needs and purposes to be used, movie makers can choose the appropriate type of VFX effect. So what are the 3 types of VFX techniques? What are the salient features of their effects?

2.1 Computer Image Simulation (CGI)

What is CGI in VFX? CGI technique with full name is Computer-generated Imagery which means computer-generated image room. This technique is a method of using computers to create effects and move images for videos. CGI is often used by film producers to create scenes that are difficult and impossible to do in reality.

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CGI effects

In particular, CGI techniques are also very rich in creating fictional monsters, virtual planets, or dangerous action scenes that actors cannot perform. With strong development, CGI has become one of the tools to create amazing and attractive images for the film industry.

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2.2 Motion capture

Motion capture is a technique that effectively captures motion in movies. This is the process that starts with attaching sensors to the subject's body to record the movements. Usually, these sensors are attached to important points of the body such as hands, face, skeleton, ...

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Motion image effects

As the actors make movements, the sensor records all the data about those movements. Next, these data will be processed by post-production staff and converted into a 3D model. In addition to being applied to actors' bodies, motion capture is also used to record camera movements. This makes the character image look more vivid.

2.3 Green screen technique (Compositing)

Certainly when watching the behind-the-scenes of sci-fi movies. Everyone will wonder why the actors are acting against a green screen. So what is that technique? This technique called Compositing is one of the techniques that help to combine real footage with images created with VFX.

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Green screen technique used in sci-fi movies

Thanks to that, it helps viewers have a more interesting and vivid look when watching movies. This technique has many different stages such as Keying, Matte Painting, Rig Removal, etc. With impressive and clear effects, the effects in the film are shown in a completely natural way. From there, it helps viewers believe that these images are real.

3. Commonly used VFX software

What is the purpose of using VFX software? Thanks to VFX effects, movie makers can create movies full of life. However, for the movie to be shown in the most eye-catching way, VFX software is indispensable. Here are a few commonly used and quite popular VFX software.

3.1 Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is an indispensable software and is used in the post-production of movies. Besides being used in movies, this software is also used in advertising, telecommunications,... Adobe After Effects software helps programs become fresh and lively, attractive. than.

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Photo editing tool used by many people

3.2 3Ds Max

3Ds Max is a software for VFX effects used in creating 3D product images. Along with that, this software also creates special effects that do not exist in real life to help attract viewers more. This type of software is quite widely used in architecture centers, video game improvement, motion pictures in movies, ...

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3Ds Max image processing techniques

3.3 Houdini

This software is quite famous in the world of 3D design technology. It is because of the advantage of creating good effects for movies that this type of software is used by famous studios. Some famous studios can be mentioned such as: Imagework, ILM, Sony Pictures, Frame Store, ...

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This technique is used a lot in famous movie studios

3.4 Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya software, also known as Maya for short, is a software that is widely used in creating 3D design applications such as animation, media, or video games. The strength of this type of Maya software is that it can help to make movies come alive and attractive. In addition, the software also helps develop characters in the movie to be more realistic.

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Maya software makes the movie more attractive

3.5 Nuke

This is one of the specialized software in VFX effects to make videos and images impressive. Nuke has great functions, that's why it is used a lot in a series of famous American movies such as The Hunger Games, The Great Gatsby,... In addition, with the presence of Nuke software, The films impress viewers with modern technology.

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Nuke with many great features

4. Difference between VFX and animation

What is the difference between animation and VFX? Although the two types of VFX and Animation effects are software that makes video editing easy and vivid, they also have different characteristics such as:

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What is the difference between VFX and Amination?

VFX
Animation
Define
VFX is a special effects software that helps process scenes on set to become more vivid. It creates catchy video and photo effects for movie compositions.
Animation is a type of software that creates motion with images. This application is used a lot in commercials, video games,...
Common software
Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, 3Ds Max, Nuke,...
Blender, 3Ds Max,...
Execution object
Real scenes
Pictures of paintings, clay, ....
Application
Movies, TVC ads, music videos,...
Movies, animation, games, advertising,...
Works used
Avatar, Spiderman, Avengers, Game of Thrones,...
3D/2D Animator, Texturing Artist,...

5. Skills required to become a VFX

What skills are required to become a VFX? Currently, there are many positions when you enter the field. To become an excellent VFX you must have a solid knowledge base in the fields of graphic design, cinema, computers,... In addition, you must also have the ability to calculate quickly to arrange the layout. Arrange moving images logically.

Besides, you also need some other skills such as:

  • Have an understanding of lighting and film settings
  • Has high visibility and aesthetics
  • There is creativity and sophistication in work
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What are the skills required of VFX?

6. Job positions in the VFX industry

If you are looking for a job in the VFX industry, you need to first define your goals and strengths. So what are the job positions in VFX? Here are some positions for the VFX industry that you can refer to.

6.1 Art Department – Art Department

The art department's job is to turn the script and director's ideas in written form into visuals. This helps the producer understand the character's background and shooting angle based on the images that have been redrawn in the art room.

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From tool documents turned into animated footage

6.2 Pre-viz

Pre-viz stands for Pre-Visualization, this is the job of turning 2D images that have been delivered from the art room into a simplified 3D movie. Therefore, this stage makes the filming time become longer. This step is meant to help the entire post-production and production team share the same vision. From there, helping the director know where to adjust the shooting angle, and how to change the parameters to help the film become more professional and attractive.

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Pre- viz helps the division to attract and come closer to the audience

6.3 Asset Department - Creating components in VFX)

When doing VFX, we will need a lot of illustration elements. Therefore, the work of the Asset Department will help to effectively complete the film. The work of these people will be carried out from the beginning to the end of post-production. These components will be made from Modeling Artist materials,...

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Asset department for effective movie completion

6.4 Animation

What is the role of simulation software in VFX? If you take on the job of an Animation, you have a responsibility to perform related to the movements of objects in movies. This helps the film to be perfected, creating extremely impressive images in the eyes of the audience.

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Re-animated cartoon characters

6.5 Research and development

Those doing research and development work will have to be extremely focused because of the difficulty that this job brings. They are the ones who create new software that can be easily adapted to the difficulty of the work. This job requires personnel to have a deep understanding of computer science and to love and be passionate about the job.

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Research helps create mesmerizing cinematography

6.6 FX Simulation

What is a simulation in VFX? In the VFX industry, simulation work is extremely important. This job is responsible for simulating effects such as dust, sand, fire, smoke, water, etc. The simulation effects will make the movies more realistic and thrilling.

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Simulation software makes the movie image more vivid

6.7 Matchmove

Matchmove is considered a smartphone photography app. You just need to open and select the data when recording a movie and then apply it to the objects in the existing video composition. This work helps to make the movie smoother.

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The Matchmove app keeps the footage smooth

6.8 Rotoscoping

The purpose of separating characters from the background is to help separate the characters from the frame. This method can also help the image become more harmonious and beautiful. You can also use this tool to enhance the beauty of the scene.

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Rotoscoping helps attract and impress viewers

6.9 Lighting

The lighting person plays an important role in the filming and design of the film. They have to make sure all the lighting for the scenes is done in the best way. From there, it helps to make the image similar to the director's purpose, creating vivid footage and stimulating the viewer's vision.

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The lighting system brings footage that seems to be real in real life

6.10 Matte paint

Matte paint is responsible for helping create the characters and the setting for the film. To do this job, you must have good hand-drawing skills and understand the context quickly.

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Matte paint helps create unique backgrounds

6.11 Compositing

Compositing's mission is to make the film perfect by incorporating unreal 3D objects into existing footage. To take on this job, you must have an aesthetic sense and be proficient in the use of images and colors. If you have the ability to capture the audience's psychology, you are the right person for this position,

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Compositing helps actors avoid dangerous scenes

7. Where to start learning VFX for beginners?

Currently, there are many training centers for the VFX industry. These centers with the method of synchronous training help learners have a more in-depth view of the VFX field. Here is some information about this discipline.

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Newbies need to master the basic knowledge when working in the field of VFX

  • Learn about visual effects software: To create a complete movie, you can't ignore software such as Nuke, Autodesk Maya, or Houdini,... You should learn and try to get familiar with the tools. this to have the necessary skills.
  • Learn about cinematic effects: To become a professional VFX you must have a solid understanding of the fundamentals. That's why you need to focus and master the knowledge of technology, techniques, software,... This makes it easier for you to access work.
  • Practice and Build a Portfolio: Building a portfolio will familiarize you with creating projects in a VFX environment. This is also a way to showcase your abilities to employers and potential clients.
  • Find a job or get an internship: This helps you experience the working environment in a real way. In addition, helping you to easily access projects, accumulate for you a lot of valuable experience. Since then, building an affiliate network in this VFX field.

Above is our answer to the question What is VFX? Viewfinder Media with strong development, we are confident that the company will be one of the exclusive and reliable suppliers. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

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