6 Types of Special Effects Cinematography for Filmmakers

Special effects cinematography represents a unique means of filmmaking. In which the creative process extends beyond the use of just a camera and basic equipment to include amazing special effects and features for special visual effects, too. Special effects, or special visual effects, employ various techniques to insert a variety of special features. And images that were not filmed during the production on set. But which can be used to advance the creation of the film taking it to an entirely new level.

Whether accomplished through the use of basic animations, advanced Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) or an entirely different means of special effects cinematography.

Filmmakers have the power to completely alter the outcome of a film with some serious input in the area of VFX during production. Thus the final edited scene is certainly not what it was in the beginning. As more visual effects are incorporated into the ever advancing footage.

Filmmakers must be aware of the most common types of special effects cinematography. Which provides a unique opportunity to create live action films that are entirely different once they’ve passed through various stages of editing and the addition of various special effects.

In exploring special effects cinematography, it’s important to address these very common visual effects which include CGI, animation, matte paintings, miniatures, doubling, and stop motion effects.

Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)

One of the most widely used forms of special effects cinematography, the visual effects of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) simply cannot be overlooked. This technique is used in everything from commercials and short films to Hollywood movies.

CGI, in fact, has the power to replace just about any and all other forms of special effects that are available to filmmakers making it a chosen technique for a variety of projects large and small.

However, CGI is expensive, therefore it’s not always the first choice from a budgeting standpoint.

Animation

Animation represents a type of special effect that has been available for a very long time and has advanced in many ways over more than 100 years. Early animated films such as Disney’s Mary Poppins utilized hand-drawn techniques to fulfill the necessary special effects.

Cinematography has come a long way since these early days and animation has certainly evolved too. Today’s animations are largely CGI although a variety of techniques and tactics may be utilized.

In order to achieve the desired look and sequences in the films that animation is added to.

Matte Paintings

Once one of the most prominent means of special effects available to filmmakers, matte painting represents a time honored means of adding amazing features to a film. You might recall some of the earliest uses of matte paintings in films such as The Wizard of Oz and Star Wars.

Both of these films provided amazing use of the matte painting. In which detailed photographic paintings were used to depict various features. Which were otherwise impossible to have shown at the time in any other manner.

Although traditional matte painting is rarely used in filmmaking today, digital mattes are incredibly common and provide unique opportunities for filmmakers to expand upon existing ideas to bring life to their creations.

Miniatures

When it comes to special effects, cinematography, and advances in techniques used to create amazingly elaborate environments, scenes, and settings there’s probably nothing more incredible than miniatures.

Miniature modeling has long been a means of creating elaborately designed, impressive features for a film.

From scaled down buildings to entire city scenes. Miniature modeling can be used to establish a variety of different shots and scenes for the filmmaker that may have otherwise been impossible to recreate in true-to-life size.

For Example

Miniature models have been used in a variety of projects over the years including The Titanic. Which featured a scaled down version of the original ship that set sail all those years ago.

As well as the Harry Potter films which showcased Hogwarts world in an otherwise impossible setting for the audience to endure.

Miniature modeling continues to stand the test of time holding a key place in filmmaking. Nearly 100 years after the first instance of modeling, specifically miniature modeling, was introduced to the set.

Doubling

Have you ever wondered, “How do they find all those twins in the movies? “ Well, they don’t! The technique is called doubling and it’s visible in scenes in which a particular actor is duplicated. And then interacts with him or herself on the screen.

Of all the visual effects that can be used, doubling requires a lot of careful consideration. Not all films have the benefit of twin actors. And it’s not always possible for the film to pull off scenes in which a body double will due.

In the event that computer-generated effects are simply not in order, doubling is a matter of editing. In this instance, split screen doubling is used to combine optical mattes and the use of motion-controlled cameras to create the desired outcome.

A variety of techniques have evolved over the years to produce doubles on camera. Allowing Directors multiple options when it comes to creating the perfect scene in which there is a double involved.

Stop Motion

Of all the different special effects, cinematography techniques that utilize stop motion are probably some of the most sophisticated aside from CGI. Stop motion animations require a lot of patience but the outcomes have been amazing.

There’s just something about the use of stop motion that a computer generated image simply cannot achieve. This technique involves the use of various figures. Including clay characters, dolls, toys or just about any other material which is formed into a setting.

Which is then captured as individual still photos on camera. Extremely minimal movements and changes to the filming environment are made before another image is captured. And then again before another image capture.

Overall

Stop motion frequently incorporates many other forms of special effects. Cinematography rarely employs mere stop motion technique. Without the incorporation of one of many other techniques to create the desired footage.

Perhaps that’s what makes stop motion such an incredible reference point in discussing special effects? It’s quite common for a stop motion film to also include matte paintings, miniature modeling, computer generated imagery, animations and a variety of other techniques as well.