CGI vs VFX vs SFX — What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

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Visual Effects vs CGI — We look at the differences between three terms that are often confused.

What is a VFX, CGI, and SFX? ►►
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to CGI, VFX, and Special FX
00:52 - Defining CGI, VFX and Special FX
02:38 - What Are Special Effects?
04:42 - What Are Visual Effects?
07:45 - What is CGI?
11:32 - Deep Dive: 1917
13:57 - Final Thoughts

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VFX VS CGI VS SFX

There is a debate raging in the film industry. Well, there are multiple debates raging in the film industry, but today we’re focusing on one of them: VFX vs CGI vs SFX. This debate is rooted in confusion over definitions, and CGI fatigue. Certain audiences, and filmmakers, are tired of CGI being used as a creative bandaid, sloppily solving problems in post which allows for laziness on set. In this video, we dive head first into this debate, and find that the answers aren’t as clear-cut as they might seem…

WHAT IS SFX?

First, we look at the oldest of the three categories: SFX, short for special effects. Special effects refer to any elements created on set, also referred to as practical effects. When a filmmaker brags about doing some crazy visual “for real,” this is what they’re referring to. Today, SFX have become coveted, and even fetishized. See any Tom Cruise interview.

WHAT IS VFX?

Now, the second oldest: VFX, or visual effects. These are any effects added to imagery that was captured during production. This can be compositing, green screens, virtual production, motion capture, paint outs, and much more. VFX today are mostly done digitally, but a visual effect can also be executed without a computer. Old compositing techniques with optical printers count as VFX.
Now, here’s where the confusion can occur.

WHAT IS CGI?

CGI, or computer generated imagery, is a type of visual effect. But not all visual effects are CGI. CGI only refers to elements that are created solely using a computer. Seems pretty straightforward, right? The confusion arises from when filmmakers boast that their film didn’t use any CGI. People will quickly look at film’s credits, see all these VFX artists’ names, and claim that the filmmaker is lying. But actually, these VFX artists might be working on other VFX that don’t include CGI.

PRACTICAL VS DIGITAL

So why are more and more filmmakers emphasizing they aren’t using CGI? The answer lies in the evolution of filmmaking over the past 30 years. CG has become more and more dominant. And while this allows for creatives to build worlds never before thought possible, it can also result in less-than-stellar visuals and lazy filmmaking. But this is only when CGI is used poorly– it’s not an indictment of the tool. In the end, CG will always have its place in film. It’s just what that place looks like that may change.


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♬ SONGS USED:

“Smalltown Boy” - Bronski Beat
“Meth Lab Zoso Sticker” - 7 Horse
“Werewolves of London” - Warren Zevon
“Nothing But Blue Pills” - Don Davis
“Gremlins” - Jerry Goldsmith
“James Bond Theme” - Monty Norman
“Jaws” - John Williams
“EEAAO” - Son Lux
“This Title Makes Me Jurassic” - Michael Giacchino
“Across The Board” - Basil Poledouris
“Main on End” - Alan Silvestri
“Kahndaq” - Lorne Balfe
“Bella” - Jason Fendrix
“Oppenheimer” - Ludwig Gorransson
“Terminator 2 Theme” - Brad Fiedel
“On The Case” - Henry Jackman
“2815 AD” - Michael Giacchino
“Hovercraft Muzak” - Fred Karlin
“Monkey to the City” - Michael Giacchino
“Amok In Redo” - Cowboys In Japan
“Blake and Schofield” - Thomas Newman
“Engländer” - Thomas Newman
“Milk” - Thomas Newman
“The Boche” - Thomas Newman
“Lisan al Gaib” - Hans Zimmer
“The Gonk” - Herbert Chappell

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