First-time filmmakers may yet to have delved into the world of special effects, but such effects can really help to bring your video production to life. The following guide explores some of the effects you can create in the 4 most common production stages of any piece of cinematography:
In Make-Up
The make-up in video productions is one of the simplest places to start creating special effects. You can use paints, pieces of latex and prosthetics to create ‘gorey’ scenes, wigs, contact lenses and false teeth to create simple human alterations and even costumes if your actors need to recreate Planet of The Apes.
On Your Set
A lot of special effects take place on set. This is where (if your budget allows) you can make use of pyrotechnics, ballistics and even make your actors fly across the frame by using tracks, harnesses and wires. There are more budget friendly effects you can create by using projectors and paints, but if you are lucky enough to have some pennies saved you can even make it rain, snow and hail on your set.
In Your Shot
There’s a number of ways to create special effects by just using the equipment on set. You can use Digital Video Gels with your lighting to generate certain colours within your shot. Your camera is also packed full of special effects options; you can make use of different lenses, shutter speeds, focuses and movements to create a wide array of effects from slow motion to blurry vision. Getting to know your equipment will help you be able to create unique effects without breaking your budget.
In Post-Production
If you’ve been blessed with a budget then post-production is where a lot of the big effects are generated. Green screen effects and simple editing tricks like slow motion and overlay can be easily created on most budgets, but if you’ve got a sizable budget you can really go all out. You can even use one the greatest special effects tools of all – Computer Generated Images (CGI). CGI can create practically any animation imaginable whether it’s a giant alien invasion or a talking rabbit, which makes CGI a fantastic special effect asset to have for your production.
Summary
By following this simple guide to what effects you can create through the tools at your disposal you can help to make your next video production a grand piece of cinematography. Whether you’re filming a romantic comedy, a space Odyssey or even a documentary, using special effects can begin to really bring your video production to life.
