CGI, Special Effects, and Visual Effects Explained — Ian Failes Interview

VFX Interview Video — We sit down with Ian Failes of Befores and Afters to talk about visual and special effects in film.

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CGI VS VFX VS SFX

It’s no secret that there is a lot of terminology in the film industry that is inscrutable to outsiders and many beginners (C-47, we’re looking at you). There is no shortage of acronyms, abbreviations, and generally misused nomenclature. At the top of this pile lies CGI, VFX, and SFX– all three of which are terms that are often used interchangeably, even though they have three different and distinct meanings. To demystify the terms, we talked with expert Ian Failes, the editor-in-chief of VFX mag Befores and Afters.

WHAT ARE VFX VS CGI VS SFX?

We start with definitions. VFX stands for visual effects, which refers to any effects added to the imagery captured during production. This could be compositing, virtual production, paint outs, and more. Today, these effects are typically done by a computer, but they don’t have to be.

CGI is also a type of VFX. It stands for computer generated imagery, and means just that. Any visual created solely digitally is CGI. Here is the crucial point: not all CGI is VFX. Compositing, for example, is not CGI.

Special effects stand apart from these two post processes. It refers to any elements created physically on set. It is essentially synonymous with practical effects.

PRACTICAL VS DIGITAL

Today, CGI has become a bit of a dirty word. Filmmakers like Christopher Nolan go out of their way to boast that their movies don’t use the tool. We talk with Failes about this phenomenon, and where he thinks it might come from. We also discuss the confusion that often arises when the debate comes up. Often, people will argue that films like Nolan’s do in fact use CGI, when in fact they are referring to digital VFX.

VISUAL EFFECTS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS

In the end, how a filmmaker uses visual effects and special effects, and which route they decide to take, is dependent on their vision and budget. Just because a filmmaker is using CGI doesn’t mean their film is somehow lesser, and just because a filmmaker does it for real doesn’t necessarily make their work better. What matters is the execution.


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