New to the field? Then let us start by defining what special effects really are. They refer to any sort of imagery produced from non-real (artificial) sources. They may make up a specific part of a show or the whole of it. Regardless of how extensive they are, special effects must appear to be real and consistent with the storyline/script of the rest of the show.
A quick search will be sufficient to show you there are many disciplines that come under special effects. But with so many being out there, how do you choose the right one for your show? We mention some tips below to help you out:
Choosing the right one
If you haven’t gotten your feet wet in the disciplines of special effects, it may be impossible to determine which one is the best. Sure, you may recognize when someone else uses them on their show. But it is another thing to successfully choose and recreate the same impact. For one, your project will have its unique limitations. Secondly, you will be working on it under completely different conditions. The worst execution of special effects is usually born when someone fails to recognize and accept these differences. Most of the time, that’s because they don’t have the experience for it.
Speak with a professional
So, if you don’t have the right experience, do you give up? No! You speak to a professional electrician. With lighting techniques, these experts can do so much to make your show visually striking and unforgettable.
When you find one, discuss what they will need to make the magic happen. Will they require a lot of power? Do you need to understand the electrical logistics? After all, the outcome must not just look attractive; it also needs to be safe for everyone concerned.
An Event Lighting Company can do all that for your show. They will ensure that you end up with a show that is both intense and dramatic. When you do talk to them, don’t forget to ask questions about light focusing, color effects installation, and electrical cable arranging.
Staying within the budget confines
Both choosing the right kind of special effects and hiring a lighting technician will also depend on your budget and limitations. Sure, many misinformed newbies will try to achieve a specific effect in a cheaper way. But if it doesn’t come off as real or doesn’t look as good, you will end up wasting your money. So, do your research to see what is available to you in the budget that you have.
Watch similar shows
If you don’t know which effects your competitors are doing, you won’t excel in visual effects for your shows. Therefore, to determine exactly what you’re up against, watch the video clips of the competition. You aren’t doing that just to enjoy the show. So, remember to concentrate on all of their visual effects. Look for mistakes as well because you will need to steer clear of those.
Get the artists on board
Whether it will just be you on the stage or others will accompany you, you all need to be on board. The best experts and tools for special effects won’t do you any good if the artists involved cannot create reality for you. So, sit them down to discuss what you want the outcome to be. Then ask if they have the experience and skills to deliver that visualization to the scenes.
Make the list
Whether the special effects are part of the ongoing show or will be added post-production, one thing is for sure. If you don’t have “the list,” you will mess up! The list is a plan that explains how to handle each scene with the special effects in it. Its initial function is to give you and the special effects expert the idea of the scope of the work. By knowing about the amount of work required, it will be easier to identify the kinds of issues there might be.
Wrapping up
We’re here to clarify that you don’t ever have to settle for a predictable and dull show. Special effects can make it intriguing and cool. It all depends on how you go about doing it and the electrician that you place your trust in.
Author Bio:
Evie harrison is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs. Find her on Twitter:@iamevieharrison
