Comparing Special Effects and Visual Effects, when to use physical props and CG elements.

Traditionally, special effects are divided into optical effects and mechanical effects.
With the improvements in digital filmmaking tools, visual effects (VFX) now refers more to digital post-production and special effects (SPFX) refers to on-set mechanical effects and in-camera optical effects.
Often when filming, the use of special effects may be necessary, such as mechanical effects or props.

We help create 3D animation and visual effects for corporate and safety training videos to create more of an impact for workers or for staff training. To show an example, we recently worked on a video with a production company to convey the dangers of a particular machine and help to improve staff practice when working with the machine.

Practical Prop (Special Effects)

Initially, we worked with a production company that shot the video, helping them out at the planning stage to achieve the desired results.
The dangers involved a large ‘allthread’ threaded bar becoming dislodged and launched from ground-to-face level by the machine.

To demonstrate this, a prop version of the bar was made, safe and light enough so that it could be launched at a stuntman from off camera, hitting the visor of his hardhat.

3D Model of Prop (Visual Effects)

It was our job then to recreate the bar in 3D space, model and sculpt the bar to scale, simulate the correct lighting for the scene, animating and compositing the final shots to create a believable scene.

At GLUE, We can recreate accidents or the potential for accidents to happen, making them look and feel real enough, in turn promoting safety in the workplace, helping to save lives and make work safer for all.

3D Model of Prop (Wireframe and Textured)

Video Production with real video footage and 3d prop (Visual Effects)