dvances
in
special effects have increased in the past decade. Computers play a key
roll in FX. In many movies there may be only a blue or green screen
behind the actor. The background is shot or created separately and put
together in
production. Although more and more of this is done in CGI (computer
generated images) masks, costumes, wax figures and other props are
still used in
many movies.
The process of F/X begins with the studio:
"The studio sends
us a script, along with a few story boards. Their art
department e-mails us specs for the set. We then 'build' that set in a
three-dimensional computer world, using a powerful program called 3D
Studio Max. We place cameras exactly as they would be used in the film,
say 5' off the ground, center stage. Then we create characters to
represent the actors and we animate them, thus pacing the movie
shot-for-shot." -
Working
World
Laser-based radar (LIDAR) was used in
End of Days, with Arnold
Schwarzenegger. The climatic battle scene, with Arnold combating
Satan in what is St. Vincent's Church in Los Angeles, owes its
creation to DigitalEffects, a division of
Panavision.
Today, special effects includes everything from
pyrotek displays,
computer generated art, compositing (foreground and background is shot
separately and then put together), making props, animatronics,
prosthetics, creatures, models & life casts. Artists in this
profession can be sculptors, painters, and programmers.
Probably the greatest special effects are in movies such as
Star Wars,
The Terminator,
Alien, and the
Indiana Jones trilogy.
Photography
is an important element in FX. Some films are filmed in front of a
green background which turns the background transparent. Computer
generated art is then inserted in the background. The latest Star Wars
movies were filmed entirely this way. On a smaller scale,
digital cameras are used to capture images and they are manipulated in Photoshop.
A special effects technician must know to construct objects, buildings,
and other structures. They must have knowledge of the proper tools and
know how to repair and maintain their construction. Frequently, their
creations are destroyed or damaged as the movie is filmed.
Job titles in SFX
Pyrotechnic Operator
-
(Salary range: $1,000 - $70,000)
Before you drool, this is the name you
give yourself if you're self-employed and have created your own
company. You only make as much as the jobs you are hired to do. If
you're not busy, then you might make less than $500 a year. If you're
successful, you could make a president's salary.
Modelmaker
-
(salary range: $20,000 - $70,000)
Usually assists the owner of the
company.
This person is hired to take up the slack when business begins growing.
Due to the seasonal conditions of this job, it is better to do this
part-time.
Prosthetics
Designer
-
(Salary
range: $20,000 - $60,000)
-
This job involves the creation of body parts from rubber, latex, Kevlar
or fiberglass mesh. These are popular in slasher movies.
Sculptor
-
(Salary range: $20,000 -
$60,000)
-
This person usually creates miniatures and props.
Jobs Search in Special Effects
Special Effects Studios
F/X Magazines and Journals
- SFX,
Britains best selling
magazine.
- Film Monthly,
dealing with all
aspects of film.
F/X Organizations
SFX Resources
