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Inception, Tenet, Gravity, even the classic Matrix series have used some of the greatest VFX treats known to us. How often have you watched movies like these and expressed amazement? We have all had wonderful and fantastical experiences through these reality-altering examples of cinematic works. VFX has become such an essential part of the entertainment industry that we can often see its use not only in movies and television but also in everyday rom-coms. Visual effects aren't just a treat to watch, they are every artist's go-to technology to realise the world they want to craft, whether it is based on fantasy or science fiction.

Of course, even though most audiences believe visual effects to be only used to portray space travel, mirror worlds and dreamscapes. The fact is, there are so many more uses to visual effects that most audiences and those aspiring to be VFX artists aren't even aware of. For example, the apes in Planet of the Apes were also a result of visual effects using motion capture, and so are the effects of chroma-keying used in some popular series we have seen.

Visual effects are more than an artistic tool of expression, it is a whole world that aspiring artists can take advantage of. There are numerous branches of VFX itself, where some are necessary to create breathtaking scenes, while others are used to give shape to a world by shaping and reshaping it into something else altogether. The main types of VFX used in films can be simply divided into CGI, Compositing and Motion Capture. Let's explore this world of VFX with all that it offers and also where you can fit in as a professional:

Computer Generated Imagery

CGI has been used in many different movies it sees a common use when it comes to modern animated movies. But did you know, it is not only used to animate but is significantly used in visual effects. Computer Generated Imagery as a part of visual effects, allows artists to create fictitious entities that wouldn't exist in real life such as the dinosaurs in Jurassic movies, or the tall aliens in Avatar.

Computer-generated imagery offers more than realistic-looking fictitious characters. Have you ever noticed that in some movies like Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy and Logan, some of the actors are de-aged to look significantly younger than they are? In fact, in some instances, actors were even made to look older using CGI. That is just another example of how CGI helps make movies possible.

As a CGI artist, you will be able to build 3D models of products, environments, and more and use this ability to create realistic objects, lighting, and rendered images for many uses including moviemaking and marketing.

Compositing

If you have seen movies like Baahubali or Avengers: Infinity War, you will have noticed the realistic-looking scenery in the movie. They seem real, but actually, they are completely made up using visual effects. This is how Compositing works, by bringing together different visual sources into one scene. Compositing brings the world to the studio instead of having to head outside, it allows filmmakers to tell their stories by bringing together different elements that would not be possible in reality.

By being able to build a whole world, compositing becomes an inexpensive technique sought after by most filmmakers, and currently is an essential part of the filmmaking process everywhere whether in Hollywood or on our home turf in Bollywood. Movies that one would not expect to rely on Compositing have made use of it in storytelling such as in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. Digital compositing is a beneficial tool in every filmmaker's pocket, and as a professional Compositing artist, you would be a desired addition as well.

Motion Capture

We are sure that almost everyone has seen the effects of motion capture, not just in movies but also in video games. The ability to capture real-life motion to translate that in animation helps make even animated characters feel real. Most animations in movies, whether completely 3D or CGI, still use manual animation, but it is only through motion capture that even unreal characters make it look realistic. This is the power that motion capture brings to any medium.

Here's an example for you: do you remember the dragon in The Desolation of Smaug? It was definitely animated, but did you know that the facial expressions used were that of actor Benedict Cumberbatch? If you watched Deadpool, the metallic superhero Colossus was also animated using motion capture.

Moviemaking across the world is gradually being more reliant on the use of motion capture. That's a wonderful thing not only for audiences but also for motion capture artists. This is a space all aspiring motion capture artists should look towards because, in our expert opinion, it will not go away but only increase its significance.

What Would You Choose?

Visual effects have numerous opportunities open for you as an aspirant. Whether you choose to be involved with Computer Generated Imagery, Compositing or Motion Capture, as a visual effects artist your skills will be desired in all corners of the world. The applications of VFX are endless and with multiple industries benefiting from this technology, your skills can see you working for some of the best production houses in the country or even outside.

VFX has an alluring presence for all, and as aspiring artists aiming for the media industry, you could be one of the shining stars creating such fantastical worlds. If you are curious and would like to be a part of the VFX world, come join us at MAAC Prayagraj. Our Advance VFX course will teach you to create sophisticated visual effects with in-depth instruction as per the industry standard. Dare to enter the amazing world of VFX with us.