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Animation effects
The illusions used in the film, television, theater, or entertainment industries to simulate the imagined events in a story are conventionally called special animation effects (a.k.a. SFX, SPFX, or simply FX). Animation effects are traditionally divided into the categories of optical effects and after effects animation. With the emergence of digital film making tools a superior distinction between animation effects and animation visual effects has been recognized, with visual effects referring to digital post production and animation effects referring to on set mechanical effects and in camera multimedia effects.
Optical graphic effects (also called photographic effects), are techniques in which images or film frames are shaped photographically, either in camera using multiple exposure, mattes, or the Schufftan procedure, or in post production processes using an optical printer. An optical effect might be used to place actors or sets against a dissimilar background. Mechanical effects (also called practical or physical effects), are typically accomplished through the live action shooting. Animation effects comprise the use of mechanized props, scenery, scale models, pyrotechnics and Atmospheric Effects: creating physical wind, rain, fog, snow, clouds etc. As the 1990s, and computer generated imagery (CGI) has come to the forefront of animation effects technologies.
CGI gives film makers superior control, and allows many effects to be accomplished more safely and convincingly and even, as technology marches on, at lower costs. From 1910 to 1920, the main modernization in animation effects was the improvements on the matte shot by Norman Dawn. During the 1920s and 1930s, animation effects techniques were improved and refined by the motion picture industry. Many studios established in house animated effects departments, which were responsible for almost all optical and mechanical aspects of motion picture trickery. Also, the challenge of simulating spectacle in motion encouraged the growth of the use of miniatures. Fritz Lang film Metropolis was early flash animation effects impressive, with innovative use of miniatures, matte paintings, the Schufftan procedure, and complex compositing.
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