What Are Special Effects?
📋 What it is
Special effects create illusions on screen; “practical” effects are done for real in front of the camera, “digital” are added by computer.
🗣️ Coach says
Movie magic comes in two kinds. Practical effects are real things filmed live — a real explosion, a real puppet. Digital effects are added later by computer. Great films often blend both. Knowing which is which lets you see how the trick was done.
🧠 Memory hook
Practical = real, in front of the camera. Digital = added by computer.
😂 Giggle
Why did the Foley artist bring shoes to the studio?
To make some sole music!
😲 Whoa!
Many scenes you think are computer-made are actually real practical effects — and many “real-looking” ones are secretly digital.
✅ Quick check: What is the difference between a “practical” and a “digital” special effect?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
A practical effect is created for real in front of the camera (a real explosion, puppet, or model); a digital effect is added afterward by computer.
The practical-vs-digital split is the foundation of understanding effects.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Think of a favourite movie effect and guess: was it practical (real) or digital?