The 3 Defining Visual Effects that Makes a Film a Summer Blockbuster in 2022

Author: Nicholas Low Chun Pin

Date: 28 June 2022

Films are a great way to transport yourself into another world, away from reality. The collective impact of moving pictures, music, dialogue, composition, and visual effects can move a person significantly and evoke deep reflection. Imagine yourself sitting in a theater with your friends, eating popcorn and watching your favorite actors fight aliens. You feel happy, you feel excited, you feel emotional. It is no secret that films have positive impacts on one’s mental health, it can bring out the joy and make you forget about the anxious and stressful reality that you’re currently in. This is even more so for blockbuster movies when the incredible visual effects make you question “Is this even real?!”

1. Computer-Generated Imagery

Computer-generated imagery, or CGI for short, is the most common type of visual effect that you’ll see in modern films (staff, 2022).CGI is a gateway to express things in ways traditional imagery could not, in other words, the impossible is made possible. With this cutting-edge technology, film makers are no longer asking what the limits are. 3D modelling is probably the most known usage of CGI, where you can create a representation of imaginary creature or any objects you can think of. Surely you have seen those extravagant, super realistic monsters or mythical creatures in a movie before. But CGI doesn’t have to be used in such a grand manner, it can be used for subtle effects as well. Let’s say you see a actor you recognize in a new film, looking so young, but you know for a fact that this actor is well in his 70s. This is known as de-aging technology; it is a good example of subtle usage of CGI. When it comes to CGI composition, a digital marketing agency here in Penang offers that service.

2. Motion Capture and Camera Tracking

Motion capture, more commonly referred to as “mocap,” is the process of tracking movement from real actors, and then translating it into the form of a computer-generated model. It works by the actor wearing what’s known as a motion capture suit (Insight, 2018). This kind of visual effect is very prevalent now, whenever you see computer-generated elements such as motion graphics in films or video games, chances are that motion capture played a significant role in its creation. It’s a powerful tool that makes it possible for the computer-generated characters to move in a very convincing way. In addition to the actors, the cameras can also be motion captured. This is known as camera tracking, it’s a technique used to track a camera’s movement so that it can be reproduced in a virtual space. So, when you composite new animated elements into the live action shot, the perspective of the camera would completely match the scene. So, if you ever need of some help, Bold Media provides camera tracking services in Penang!

3. Compositing

Compositing is the process of layering multiple visual elements into one scene. This technique also goes by another name, “chroma-key,” because it often involves a green screen or a blue screen. Compositors would later remove the color of the background used; this is usually done during the post-production stage of video production. Compositing makes it possible to further refine the image that is often difficult to achieve in 3D software. Compositing allows us to visually depict things that are not possible. As a result, compositing provides artists the creative freedom as they can bypass some physical limitations that would normally be a hindrance. Looking for some help compositing in Penang? Bold Media offers compositing services.