How to #3 cont’d: Special Effects

Before I got into live-action film, I was into animation. As an outsider, the experience always struck me as simple enough.

It wasn’t. It never is. God I missed sunlight.

Computer animation emerged from traditional animation, and though it seems easy enough because of premade models or downloadable effects from the web, it takes time to learn and an impressive mind to use it effectively. Programs like After Effects are absolutely worth learning. They’re an invaluable tool and a means to give the finish product a distinct glaze. But they’re not where your film should start and they’re not to be underestimated.

A friend of mine, having no After Effects experience, spent 20-some hours animating an opening sequence – specifically, the word “Introducing…” and a moving spotlight over the words. It’s not for the faint of heart.

However, on the other side, YouTube channels such as Digital Corridor’s or Freddie Wong’s highlight what a competent special effects team is capable of. With the right people, special effects can be an invaluable shortcut that makes a simple video shine on the internet. But it’s advanced stuff and something to be worked towards. I encourage anyone interested to take their time learning it, and for the sake of their films, to start simple and work upwards.

On The Zombie Inconvenience, we filmed on a $500 camcorder rented for free from The University of Victoria (a number of us were students there). We also rented sound and lighting equipment, which really pushed the final image from something shot in a living room to something that looked professionally made.

For editing, we utilized Final Cut Pro, which is a heady investment for most. The student discount is a great way to cut a few hundred bucks off, but luckily, the school computers at the University of Victoria meant that we could use the program free of charge.

As far as special effects, we didn’t try anything too fancy. TZI was a learning experience for everyone involved, so we placed people in new roles they were interested in learning but hadn’t any real experience in. It was our camera woman’s first time behind the camera. The boom slips into more than a few shots. Thus, we kept our special effects ambition in check. A friend of ours was experienced with zombie makeup, and under her tutelage (and having her do most of the work), we had some absolutely amazing and convincing zombies in the film. Best of all, it barely cost us anything – fake blood and silicone are cheap.

The lesson here is that there are always options available. It’s a matter of looking, making concessions where appropriate, and working hard when you don’t have the money to cover the deficit.