ABSTRACT
Movies are a flat, two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional world. That third dimension—depth—is lost the moment the image is captured. It is therefore logical to assume that VFX work itself should be done in 2D, just like Photoshop image manipulation. Yet visual effects can, and often must, be created in a virtual three-dimensional world. The seemingly depth-less footage can in fact be “opened inside out.” Understanding the differences between the 2D and 3D workflows is crucial for filmmakers not only because the choice of methodology has a direct effect on the cost of the shot and the time it may take to complete, but also because it affects the look and “feel” of the final result. From the filmmaker's standpoint, optical or physical effects are the resulting by-products of the desired move. If the camera in a given shot is not moving, the authors can create an entire background environment using only 2D elements.
