WHAT IS VFX? EXPLORING ITS POWER TO TRANSFORM STORYTELLING

Visual Effects (VFX) have gradually become the foundation of recent stories in movies, the animation industry, motion pictures, and games. From space conflicts unparalleled between known galaxies to an awe-inspiring and magical fantasy world. Still, what is VFX, and how does it influence the stories told on screen? With 3dsense Media School, our 3D Animation, VFX & 3D Modelling Diploma Program not only educates those who wish to become artists but also trains them in the field of VFX, allowing them to do the impossible and to redefine the way stories are told visually. 

VFX, which stands for Visual Effects, is a process by which images are made or changed that are not related to a live-action shot. In other words, it is the way through which artists animate elements on the screen that cannot be recorded by normal shooting, such as for reasons of safety, budget, or impossibility. This is often done with the use of tools like a green screen or a blue screen.

It involves a variety of things, from explosions and supernatural powers to full CGI environments and creatures, to the same scene where doing so is physically impossible. VFX allows video footage to be mixed with digitally produced elements, producing not only very realistic visuals but also interacting with the stories in a very impactful way. 

When watching a movie about a superhero, an epic fantasy, or a science fiction film, most of what we see on the screen is thanks to VFX production. Through these effects, filmmakers can: 

• Develop dynamic action scenes 
• Build fantasy worlds and cities with highly advanced buildings 
• Digitally reproduce characters or creatures 
• Enhance practical effects for realism 
• Remove objects they never wanted in the frames (wire removal, set extensions, etc.) 

Visual Effects used in films help achieve storytelling that was once beyond the possibilities of thinking, forget about seeing it. 

VFX animation, otherwise known as Visual Effects Animation, is a specific process in VFX that deals with the animation of virtual objects or characters that do not exist in reality. A great example would be the ability to create dragons in the television series Game of Thrones, the dinosaurs in the movie Jurassic Park, the elves in The Lord of the Rings, or the lifelike animals in the latest The Jungle Book. VFX animators are in charge of the software, such as Maya, Houdini, and Blender, to rig, animate, and integrate these characters into live-action scenes, making sure that the characters' poses correspond to the mood and setting of the movie. 

Let’s clarify some commonly confused terms: 

• VFX (Visual Effects): A general word for the digital effects that are added in post-production by the production team. It is like combining two images into one during the process of creating scenes.
• CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery): A form of Visual Effects generated only in 3D modeling and animation software. 
• SFX (Special Effects): The effects that are portrayed practically on the film set, like explosions, makeup, or animatronics. 

To put it more simply, CGI is a part of VFX, while SFX is the term for the effects that are related to the real world and are done during the shooting. The majority of modern productions take a little something from each of them.

Visual Effects are more than just a spectacle. They are effective means of telling a grand story. There are different types of VFX. Excellent VFX are the storytellers that help the story by:

• Enhancing emotion: A minor change in the lighting or the backdrop can completely change the scene's mood.
• Driving plot: Visual effects perform the task of illustrating the most important story moments. These include the transformation of a character or a world-altering event.
• Creating immersive worlds: From alien planets to underwater kingdoms, VFX transports viewers to new realities.

VFX artists work with directors and cinematographers to deliver the message of the visual element, and not to overshadow it.

Here are three standout examples of how visual effects enhance storytelling in award-winning films:

• Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of "Pacific Rim”

  This breakdown highlights how ILM created the massive Jaeger and Kaiju battles in Pacific Rim. From integrating CG creatures into practical sets to adding rain, water splashes, and neon lighting, this video shows how VFX brought epic scale and weight to every frame.
• Avengers: Endgame | VFX Breakdown | DNEG

  In Avengers: Endgame, VFX played a key role in bringing the final battle to life. This breakdown by DNEG showcases the use of digital doubles, massive environment builds, portal effects, and seamless face replacements, all critical in supporting the story's emotional and narrative weight.
• Avatar: The Way of Water | Vanity Fair

  This feature explores the groundbreaking VFX in Avatar: The Way of Water, focusing on underwater performance capture, hyper-realistic CG environments, and emotive digital characters. The video demonstrates how technical innovation supports deep storytelling and worldbuilding.

Absolutely. The global need for VFX talents is massively expanding due to the surge in streaming services, gaming, virtual production, and even AR/VR content.

Marvel, Netflix, ILM, Ubisoft, and studios worldwide rely on VFX artists who understand their craft perfectly to translate their ideas into reality. A job in VFX includes roles such as: 

• VFX Artist or Generalist 
• Compositor 
• 3D Modeler 
• FX Technical Director 
• VFX Supervisor 

As per the forecasts of the industry, the visual effects market will keep increasing rapidly. Soon, this will be the most profitable and creatively satisfying profession. This is why more people are urged to be a part of a VFX team for more success in the future.

The software that brings VFX to life are powerful tools used by digital artists to craft, manipulate, and seamlessly integrate visual effects into real-world footage. These computer programs allow experts to create artificial worlds, characters, objects, light, and physical phenomena such as explosions and weather within a digital workspace. They can also be used for effective motion tracking.

There are various phases of the VFX pipeline, and each has its own requirements for software: 

• 3D Modeling & Animation: Tools like Autodesk Maya and Blender are used to create and animate digital characters, actors' movements, show a spaceship flying, objects, and environments. 
• Simulation & Dynamics: Houdini is popular for simulating complex effects like fire, smoke, destruction, and particles. 
• Compositing: Nuke and Adobe After Effects blend digital elements with live-action footage, adjust color, and add final touches. 
• Sculpting & Texturing: Programs like ZBrush and Substance Painter design highly detailed models and surface textures. 

Each program has a dedicated function, and VFX artists usually use a combination of various programs to finish a project. Proficiency in these applications is necessary for anyone desiring to succeed in the VFX industry. 

With its location in Singapore and being one of the world's most prestigious digital arts schools, 3dsense Media School welcomes students to its intensive 12-month diploma in 3D Animation, VFX & 3D Modeling. Our program is filled with the most recent skills to develop one's skills and teach them the latest VFX techniques. We use real-world workflows common in the industry and provide mentorship by experienced professionals. 

Here are a few of the things that students are introduced to: 

• Brainstorm and accomplish unforgettable visual effects 
• Learn how to work with 3D and the use of programs for the creation of composites and simulations 
• Work together on short films and showreels suitable for the portfolio 
• Learn the different stages of the production of films, animation, and games 

Through interactive training and industry exposure, we bridge the gap between imagination and industry. We help students launch rewarding careers in visual effects. 

So, what is VFX? It is not just digital magic. It is the art of making the unthinkable real and the imaginary live in actual footage. As the skill of storytelling has progressed, so has the demand for imaginative minds that can become masters of this art. 

Suppose you are prepared to make a career from your love for modern filmmaking and technology. In that case, we invite you to begin at our 3D Animation, VFX & 3D Modeling Diploma Program at 3dsense Media School. The next page in your creative story starts here.