What are the steps for post-production special effects in film and television production?

Introduction CG is so common in modern movies that audiences often overlook the many processes involved in computer-enhanced shots. Although behind-the-scenes analysis videos are becoming more and more common, they rarely show how the VFX process is actually composed. So, what are the steps for post-production special effects in film and television production? Follow the editor to take a look today!

1. Pre-production

R&D

Any visual The first step in the special effects pipeline is usually research and development. During this time, staff will focus on software preferences and technology, deciding what technical methods to use to create the special effects.

Preview

Previsualization essentially converts storyboards and scripts into special effects shots in the form of low-quality, three-dimensional animation. While this doesn't always accurately reflect the final result, the director can get an idea of ??what the shot will look like and be better prepared for the photography style.

2. Production

Three-dimensional modeling

CG is most widely used, and one of the most critical uses is three-dimensional modeling. 3D modeling occurs in three stages of the entire production process, which become iterations with different details for different purposes. For example, previsualization only requires showing a low-detail version of the final product.

Mask Painting

Although 3D models make up the majority of the environment, many backgrounds are still created using masks. Masks were commonly used to create backgrounds before the rise of digital effects, and they are still as important today as ever.

Key Photography and Reference Photography

Some members of the special effects team will usually remain on set during the actual filming. While they have little impact on the principal photography, they capture a wide variety of photos ranging from environments to individuals to seemingly unimportant props. These photos are used to create textures for the 3D model and provide a reference for the real-world properties of the scene such as lighting, size of objects, etc.

3. Post-production

Site preparation

Site preparation covers a variety of processes, but serves the same purpose: preparing the footage for the elements to be inserted. , which includes motion tracking, masking, keying, and color correction.

Rigging

It is the binding that makes 3D models (such as characters and vehicles) move. For example, a 3D model of an animal is initially static, but once manipulated, its limbs and body can adjust and make a given movement.

Animation

Animators add motion to rigged models and are responsible for most of the CG physics. Animators will often test rigs and try to "hack" them, sending them back to the rigging department to be refined until perfect.

Effects/Simulation

Explosions, water flow and smoke are all effects that can be achieved based on simulation. Polished effects (from lens flares to fake cigarette smoke) were added to existing scenes, at which point the final product was already faintly visible.

Texture

Texturing is the addition of surface color and texture to 3D models, making them recognizable and nearly complete. In this process, metal objects gain luster and humans gain skin.

Lighting

One of the most important factors in realistic CGI is how realistic the lighting is. Excellent lighting will accurately mimic a setting, while crappy lighting is often the culprit for a false look.

Compositing

The final stage has arrived! In visual effects analysis, you will often see compositing, which combines everything into a finished product.

About

The editor will share with you what steps are involved in film production special effects. If you have a strong interest in film and television post-production, I hope this article can help you. If you want to know more about camera techniques, post-editing methods and materials, the editor has compiled a summary of film and television post-production techniques. You can click on other articles on this site to learn.