Many films use special visual effects to create a new imaginative reality within the film. Most films that need special effects today use computer generated images (CGI) to create visual effects.
Visual effects can be used to create virtual actors, creatures, environments, props, special effects, and environmental effects. These effects are typically created using three-dimensional animation software. The objects are first modeled, textured, lit, and animated then rendered. Film making has been transformed by these techniques.
Walter Behrnes Spin, Jump, 2005
Alias|Wavefront Maya
Walter Behrnes Bee on the Run, 2004
Alias|Wavefront Maya
Walter Behrnes Splish, Splash, 2002
Alias|Wavefront Maya
Claas Kuhnen
Claas Kuhnen
Jordan Sigalet
Toy Story (1995) — made by Pixar -- was the first computer-animated feature film. Nevertheless, designers had to refer to real life for inspiration: For example, to figure out how the plastic army men would move, artists walked with both feet strapped to wooden boards.
Select a category on the left to view the steps an artist/animator uses to create computer graphics effects. Click on each of the buttons see an image or animation of the process. Use the video controls to play, stop, and scrub through each movie.
