Practical Effects
Practical effects are physical, in-camera techniques used in film, television, and theater to create visual illusions, stunts, or atmospheric elements without relying on digital post-production. They include methods like pyrotechnics, animatronics, makeup, miniatures, and mechanical rigs to produce realistic or fantastical scenes. This approach emphasizes tangible, on-set craftsmanship to achieve immersive storytelling.
Developers in game development, virtual production, or VFX pipelines should understand practical effects to integrate physical assets with digital workflows, enhancing realism and reducing computational overhead. Learning practical effects is crucial for creating hybrid productions where physical props, sets, or stunts are combined with CGI, as seen in films like 'Mad Max: Fury Road' or video games using photogrammetry. It also fosters collaboration between technical artists and traditional craftspeople in industries like theme park design or immersive experiences.