Special effect
A special effect is used in TV, film to create perceived events within a narrative. There are two groups of special effects: mechanical effects and optical effects. Mechanical effects are created during shooting and include such things as explosions, manufactured wind or rain, and even prosthetic makeup. Optical effects come about through the utilization of the camera by techniques such as mattes, optical printing, and multiple exposure. CGI (computer generated imagery) has, in recent years, become the dominate producer of special effects. The benefit of close mastery of the effect, combined with the decreased cost, has ensured that, for years to come, CGI will be the go-to technique for creating special effects.
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