ABSTRACT
FX elements, in the form of stock footage or footage that is shot for a particular project, is a common staple of visual effects compositing. Yet, the elements are rarely perfect and require as much attention as other compositing tasks. If an FX element is unavailable, it’s often possible to replicate the desired phenomena with particle simulation tools or effects. Particle simulations are able to replicate such natural occurrences as falling dust, rising smoke, burning fire, and falling rain. These are precisely the types of elements that are used to make the visual effects shots more exciting.
