What Is A Practical Effect?

Special effects can be produced using a variety of different methods but a practical effect, specifically, is a visual effect that is created physically and without CGI or other digital manipulation.

Some examples of practical effects for environmental/weather conditions include using sprinklers to simulate rain and dry ice or fog machines to create fog. Other examples of practical effects include the use of prosthetics, makeup, and masks/costumes to change an actor’s appearance in contrast to digitally modifying their image.

Even more ways that practical effects are created include: using scale models with creative camera tricks to capture them in such a way that the models look full-sized (learn more about this example used in early 1900s with mirrors and miniatures), animatronics to create mythical creatures, lifelike animals, humans, robots, and monsters as well as pyrotechnics for fire and explosions.

To see the creative behind-the-scenes of some these practical effects being made, check out the following video:

“Top 10 Practical Movie Effects of All Time” by CineFix

If you are looking for makeup artists and assistants, special effects crew, equipment rentals, and prop masters and prop assistants to help create practical effects for your next production, check out our online Nevada Production Directory to find experienced Nevada production crew and support services or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer production and film-related services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

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