# visual effects > various processes by which imagery is created **Wikidata**: [Q8317](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8317) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_effects) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/visual-effects ## Summary Visual effects (VFX) are various processes by which imagery is created and manipulated. It is a cinematic technique and a type of special effect used within film production to generate illusions or alter appearances. ## Key Facts - Also known as Visual F/X or VFX. - Defined as various processes by which imagery is created. - Classified as a cinematic technique deployed in filmmaking. - Considered a type of special effect, which involves illusions or tricks to change appearance. - Part of the film production process, which is the process of making a motion picture. - Defined as a creation, an intentional activity during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics. - Related to the academic discipline field of study or profession. - Associated with the concept of an image, an artifact that depicts or records visual perception. - Has a sitelink count of 35. ## FAQs **What is the primary definition of visual effects?** Visual effects are various processes by which imagery is created. They function as a cinematic technique and a specific type of special effect involving illusions or tricks to change appearance. **How does visual effects fit into the filmmaking process?** It is a component of film production, the process of making a motion picture. It is also categorized as a creation, defined as an intentional activity during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics. **What specific techniques are considered part of or related to visual effects?** Visual effects encompasses pixelization (an image redaction technique) and drop shadow (a drawing element looking like a shadow). It is related to match moving (inserting computer graphics into live-action footage), letterboxing (a video formatting effect), windowbox (a combination of letterboxing and pillarboxing), and Matrix digital rain (an animation). **Which organizations are prominent in the visual effects industry?** Sony Pictures Imageworks is a visual effects and animation studio founded in 1992. Image Engine is a visual effects company founded in 1995. The Mill is a British visual effects and post-production company founded in 1990. **What software is associated with visual effects?** Adobe Premiere Pro is professional timeline-based video editing, special effects, and visual effects software developed by Adobe. ## Why It Matters Visual effects matter because they provide the essential mechanisms for creating imagery that goes beyond standard live-action capture. As a cinematic technique, they solve the problem of depicting the impossible by utilizing illusions or tricks to change appearance. This field bridges the gap between academic discipline and practical application in film production, enabling the creation of complex visual artifacts and animations that define modern media. ## Notable For - Being a parent category to specific techniques like pixelization and drop shadow. - Serving as the foundational industry for major studios such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, Image Engine, and The Mill. - Enabling advanced techniques like match moving, which inserts computer graphics into live-action footage. - Being a core function of professional video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro. ## Body ### Definition and Classification Visual effects is defined as various processes by which imagery is created. It is categorized as a cinematic technique, specifically a technique deployed in filmmaking. It falls under the broader category of special effects, which are defined as illusions or tricks to change appearance. Furthermore, visual effects is a component of film production, the process of making a motion picture. It is also characterized as a creation, an intentional activity during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics. The field is related to the concept of an academic discipline, an academic field of study or profession, and is associated with the image, an artifact that depicts or records visual perception. ### Techniques and Components The domain of visual effects includes specific techniques and components. It encompasses pixelization, which is an image redaction technique. It also includes drop shadow, a visual effect consisting of a drawing element which looks like the shadow of an object. Visual effects is related to match moving, a visual effects technique that inserts computer graphics into live-action footage. It is also connected to video formatting effects such as letterboxing and windowbox, the latter being an often undesirable combination of letterboxing and pillarboxing. Additionally, it is related to Matrix digital rain, which is an animation. ### Software and Tools Visual effects are integral to professional media production software. Adobe Premiere Pro is a notable example, described as professional timeline-based video editing, special effects, and visual effects software developed by Adobe. ### Industry Organizations Several key organizations operate within the visual effects sector: * **Sony Pictures Imageworks**: A visual effects and animation studio. It was founded in 1992 (inception: +1992-00-00T00:00:00Z). The company is associated with country Q30 and has headquarters located at and . It operates in industry . * **Image Engine**: A visual effects company founded in 1995 (inception: +1995-00-00T00:00:00Z). It is associated with country Q16 and has its headquarters at . * **The Mill**: A British visual effects and post-production company. It was founded on January 1, 1990 (inception: +1990-01-01T00:00:00Z). The company is associated with country and has its headquarters at Q84. It operates in industry . ### People and Academic Context The field of visual effects involves specific professionals and academic concepts. Richard Bluff is identified as a visual effects artist, with occupation . The field is situated within the context of an academic discipline, serving as a field of study or profession. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. BBC Things