What is the difference between first-level special effects and second-level special effects?

Primary and secondary special effects generally refer to visual effects techniques used in film, TV series, or other media productions to create realistic or supernatural effects. Here are the main differences between them:

Level 1 effects: Level 1 effects usually refer to basic physical effects or real-life special effects. These special effects are usually achieved through methods such as actual props, manipulation and photography. For example: explosion, flame, smoke, rain, etc. Level 1 special effects rely more on actual physical elements and filming techniques and need to be processed on set or during post-production.

Secondary special effects: Secondary special effects refer to the use of computer-generated images and animations to create virtual special effects. These special effects are usually completed with the help of professional special effects software and computer graphics technology, which can create effects that cannot be achieved through realistic means, such as fantasy creatures, magical powers, character deformation, etc. Secondary special effects rely more on digital technology and post-production processes, requiring complex calculations and rendering to be finally presented.

In general, primary special effects rely primarily on actual physical elements and filming techniques, while secondary special effects rely on computer-generated imagery and animation techniques. Secondary special effects can create more otherworldly and virtual effects, while primary special effects are usually more focused on realism and live filming. In the production of movies and TV series, primary special effects and secondary special effects are usually used in combination to achieve better visual effects.