Visual effects (VFX) are imagery created in post-production using computers, such as adding computer-generated spaceships or green screening actors. Special effects (SFX) are practical illusions that really happen on camera, like explosions or prosthetic limbs. While VFX use computers to add elements, SFX involve physically creating practical effects. Both aim to simulate imaginary events, but VFX are done digitally in post and SFX occur practically during filming.

1. How Are Visual Effects
and Special Effects
Different?

2. 1. What is Visual Effect ?
1. What is a Special Effect ?
1. How Are Visual Effects and Special Effects
Different?
1. Differences Between Visual Effects and
Special Effects
Index

3. What is Visual Effect (VFX)?

4.  Visual effects are the process by which
imagery is created outside the context of a
live action shot in filmmaking.
 VFX are made in post-production, using the
power of a computer.
 If you create a computer model of a
spaceship and fly it across the background of
a scene, that’s VFX.

5.  If you green screen an actor to make it look
like he’s falling from a plane, that is done
using VFX.
 These days, VFX is cheaper than SFX so often
explosions, spurting blood and muzzle-
flashes are done as VFX.

6. What is a Special Effect (SFX)?

7.  Special effects are illusions or visual tricks
used in the film, television, movies, video
game and simulator industries to simulate the
imaginary events in a virtual world.
 SFX are done ‘in camera,’ that is to say they
really, physically happen.
 If you drop a match in a petrol can and record
the explosion, that’s is SFX.

8.  If you build a prosthetic arm, then attach it to
an actor then have it ripped off and blood
spurt out, that’s is SFX.
 So are firing blanks, gunshot wounds,
stabbing people etc.

9. How Are Visual Effects and
Special Effects Different?

10.  Visual effects (VFX) industry is responsible for
making you say "Wow!"How did they do
that?!" or "I want to run with dinosaurs!“.
 That's also one of the reasons why movies
talk so long to make and cost as much as
they do.

11.  Simply put, visual effects is a blanket term
relating to any method that makes it possible
to create an effect or scene that could not
otherwise be produced using regular
photographic techniques.
 While this site most commonly refers to 3D
computer graphics for films, games, and
advertising, miniature and real-world model
building as count as VFX techniques.

12.  However, they don't require the digital
assistance, but they still count.

13. Differences Between Visual
Effects and Special Effects

14.  Think about Special Effects as the parent of
all the effects; that is visual effects and
sound.
 It is important to clarify which effects you are
talking about since special effects can involve
sound editing and sound recording
techniques.

15. Thank You