ABSTRACT
This chapter approaches the subject of special effects as an ever-changing department that finds its growth in ever-changing technology. It overviews the process of doing visual effects. Visual effects can be differentiated from special effects. Special effects are effects created on set and sometimes in post-production. There are two kinds of special effects, physical effects and mechanical effects. The team that accomplishes these may be individuals who do special effects or a company that specializes in these effects. Creature design can be a physical effect that combines the special effects and makeup departments. The creature manufacturer is a person who is in the business of creating physical creatures for motion pictures. This person usually works for a special effects house and is hired out by the company to create creatures. The special effects coordinator is in charge of the special effects budget. He works with the director to discuss each effect and determine how each effect will look.
