Movies and Games Rely on VFX Software to Look Incredible

Movies and video games have never looked better. The reason for this is the prevalence of 3d effects and how effortlessly they are included into things. Movies have gotten to the point where they can use effects to help their actors appear younger and more age appropriate for roles. Naturally, these visual effects are achieved through the use of excellent and modern software. 

Modern video effects (VFX) software suites allow for the design, creation and animation of 3d models. It brings the ideas and storyboards that are created to life. Many movie studios focus entirely on movies created through these visual effects. Pixar for example is well known as an industry leader. That being said, more than just giant studios can learn to use VFX software. It merely takes a desire to learn and experiment. 

What is VFX Software? 

In order to create the wonderful special effects that are used in video games and modern movies, software is required. These software packages allow design to come to life and is one of the main aspects digital artists need to learn. 

VFX software is used by movie studios as a sort of pipeline from shot to shot, where the effects can be seen, adjusted and improved. From there, they are layered together to create the exact shot that they are looking for. 

In many cases, VFX software is taught early to students learning graphic design and animation. By learning the specific software while still in school, potential employees graduate with the skills that media studios are looking for. 

Top VFX Software

It’s important to note that great things can be done with lots of different software suites. In many cases, the best comes down to preference, or what a creation studio has been using and are familiar with. 

• Maya - Maya is typically considered the industry leader and is used by a huge number of major film studios, as well as anyone who is rendering three dimensional effects. Maya is one of the Autodesk software products. Maya is arguably the most powerful and complicated VFX software on the market. It can be difficult to learn and many new users may feel lost. Almost anything you’ve seen on a screen with visual effects may have used Maya. It’s an expensive option though. Subscription pricing costs around $1600 per year. That sounds like a lot, however the software itself is so crucial to design that it’s not an obscene price to pay. Students may have options to get Maya for free while they learn. 
• Nuke - Nuke is VFX software that’s intended for the larger studios out there. Whereas Maya is great for creation and composition, Nuke truly excels at the actual composition of video effects. When the project layers together all of the effects created, Nuke does a fantastic job of this layering. Serious effects may make use of the Nuke X version which some extra features. 
• ZBrush - This visual effects software excels at sculpting. This applies to both 3D and 2D models. It’s excellent for adding the most nuanced detail onto any models or renders. Unlike the other items on this list, ZBrush is better for a small user (and is often good in conjunction with the previous tools). You can get a single license for about $40 with some other subscription and permanent purchase options available as well. Much like Maya, students can get discounts while they are in school.