VFX (Visual Effects) editing is the process of integrating computer-generated imagery (CGI), digital effects, or manipulated visuals into live-action footage to create scenes that are impossible, dangerous, or expensive to film in real life.
It is widely used in films, TV, advertisements, music videos, games, and VR experiences.
Stages of VFX Editing
1. Planning & Pre-Visualization
VFX is often planned before shooting.
Storyboards & Previz (animated previews) help directors visualize how effects will look.
Green Screen/Blue Screen Setup prepared for compositing later.
2. Matchmoving & Tracking
Aligns digital elements with live-action footage.
Camera Tracking: Makes CGI objects move naturally within the filmed environment.
Motion Capture: Records actors’ movements for realistic CGI characters.
3. Compositing
Combining live-action footage with CGI, matte paintings, or special elements.
Example: An actor filmed on a green screen is composited into a fantasy world.
Software: Nuke, After Effects, Fusion.
4. 3D Modeling & Animation
Creation of digital characters, vehicles, buildings, or creatures.
Animation breathes life into these models.
Software: Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, Cinema4D.
5. Simulation Effects
Fire, Water, Smoke, Explosions, Weather, Cloth, Hair.
Created using physics-based simulations.
Software: Houdini, RealFlow, Phoenix FD.
6. Matte Painting & Digital Environments
Static or moving painted backgrounds.
Expands worlds (e.g., fantasy landscapes, futuristic cities).
7. Rotoscoping & Keying
Removing backgrounds (green screen keying).
Isolating objects/actors frame by frame for compositing.
8. Color Grading & Integration
VFX must match lighting, shadows, and colors of the live-action footage.
Ensures CGI looks realistic and blends seamlessly.
9. Final Rendering
All effects are processed into final high-quality video.
Heavy rendering power needed (render farms or GPU clusters).