Introduction

 

The growth of computer-generated special effects has led some people to believe that most television visual effects will eventually be created electronically. The argument for this is a powerful one based on the fact that the computer with its facility to memorise images – coupled with the support of software which can bend shapes, alter textures and change lighting angles – could be used to input stored effects into any relevant programme: it is easy to see the possibilities.

Nevertheless, there will always be ‘horses for courses’ and while the tail of a gaseous comet hurtling through space would be best achieved as a computer-generated animation, other, more physical, effects will continue to be produced in the workshop.

In ...

Get Creating Special Effects for TV and Video, 3rd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.