How do practical special effects work?

Special effects are real, physical tricks done on set, in front of the camera. Visual effects are added later on computers. Practical effects give real light on faces and real reactions. The SFX department is led by a supervisor, with technicians and a licensed pyrotechnic operator for anything with fire.

Read how it works: How do practical special effects work? · The history of practical special effects · More boxes on Glassbox

Chapters in this interactive model

1. The same shot, done two ways: Real effects on set, or digital effects added later. Compare them side by side and meet the SFX crew.
2. Rain, wind, snow and fog, on cue: Run a rain bar, a wind machine, paper snow and a hazer, and see why film rain has to be lit from behind.
3. Glass, bottles and chairs that break safely: Hit a sugar-glass window, a resin bottle, a balsa chair and foam rubble, and compare them with the real thing.
4. Flying, falling, driving and walking on walls: Fly a performer on a counterweight, fire a ratchet, tilt a car on a gimbal and spin a rotating room.
5. Animatronics and prosthetic make-up: Drive a creature’s jaw, eyes and ears with servos, and follow a prosthetic from lifecast to painted face.
6. Fire and fireballs, safety first: Run a gas fire bar from the operator’s box, see how far the heat reaches, and learn why a fireball looks huge but pushes gently.