Computer graphics and digital visual effects

Because of the competitive nature of the visual effects industry for film, digital artists can expect a high demand for technical expertise as well as a demand for efficient practices. Artists’ works are required to satisfy an industrial need for both aesthetics and cost-effectiveness. Since there are so many different topics that wellrounded artists need to master, it is fitting that practical, critical thinking should be encouraged about the efficient use of such disciplines. For this project, extensive research was conducted of ten major, industrial principles that are used to add digital effects to live-action footage. This research, in turn, was applied in the creation of a video clip that combined the many concepts outlined in the research. The video clip was rendered in 24 different ways so that distinctions could be drawn between variations of techniques. The 24 renders were then incorporated into a comparative computer application. This application encourages critical thinking from users by asking them to choose the most efficient combination of techniques, much the same way that a visual effects supervisor might do in an industrial setting. It is hoped that the outcome of the project will yield a formation of opinion amongst users about the kinds of methods that are most efficient in an industrial context. This opinion could improve the way beginning visual effects artists approach future projects. An online survey has shown that the program has helped clear up preconceptions about these techniques and solidify opinions regarding the techniques.