6Gr03: Digital Special Effects

Front 1

What are the four layers of film in a CGI?

Back 1

1. Computer generated background image - background plate.

2. Film footage of the actor in the foreground.

3. Matte - black silhouette on white background. 4. Matte - white silhouette on black background.

Front 2

Why is a green screen used for special effects rather than other colours?

Back 2

Green emits more light than blue which is easier to work with. Red is avoided because it features in human skin tones.

Front 3

What is 'key-framing'?

Back 3

Creating key moments of change, known as keyframes to animate 3D models. The addition of a skeleton is to make it easier to manipulate movement. Once keyframes are acquired software calculates the movement in between keyframes to ensure smooth transition.

Front 4

What is rotoscoping?

Back 4

It is an animation technique which animators trace over live-action film movement, frame by frame, for use in animated films.

Front 5

What are 4 advantages of computer generated images?

Back 5

1. Light, colours and filters are added digitally after film.

2. Characters blend in with their digital environments.

3. Limitless possibilities for rotating effect.

4. Costumes, make-up, bodysize and age can be changed to whatever is needed.

Front 6

What are 4 disadvantages of computer generated images?

Back 6

1. Highly skilled technical animators are required. 2. Expensive hardware and special programs are required to obtain and process the data. 3. Technology becomes obsolete because better software and techniques are developed. 4. Movement that does not follow the laws of physics generally cannot be represented.

Front 7

Green Screen (or Blue Screen)

Back 7

A visual effects technique where actors are shot in front of a blue or green screen and the colored background is later replaced with another setting, thus transporting the actors to another location.