Practical Effects vs CGI: Why Filmmakers Are Going Old-School Again
Discover the difference between practical effects and CGI and why filmmakers are returning to real-world magic. From Mad Max: Fury Road to Inception, authenticity is back in style.
What Are Practical Effects?
Practical effects (also known as physical or special effects) are created live on set using physical props, makeup, animatronics, pyrotechnics, and stunt choreography. These effects are captured directly by the camera, offering a tangible realism that digital effects often struggle to replicate.
Examples include:
Exploding cars using real pyrotechnics - Mad Max Fury Road stunts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p86oL3TbQvs
Creatures built with prosthetics or puppetry
Rotating sets for gravity-defying scenes
What Is CGI?
CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) refers to visual effects created digitally using software. It allows filmmakers to build entire worlds, characters, and actions that would be impossible or too expensive to film in real life.
Examples include:
• Digital monsters and aliens
• Simulated environments like outer space or fantasy realms
• Enhanced explosions, weather, or crowd scenes
Why the Shift Back to Practical Effects?
While CGI has revolutionized filmmaking, many directors are rediscovering the power of practical effects for one key reason: authenticity.
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) used real vehicles, stunts, and explosions for 80% of its action scenes. The result? A gritty, immersive experience that won six Oscars.
- Inception (2010) featured a rotating hallway built on a gimbal to film its iconic zero-gravity fight scene no green screen required.
Benefits of Practical Effects
- Realism: Audiences can sense when something is physically real. It adds weight, texture, and believability.
- Performance: Actors respond more naturally to physical environments, enhancing emotional depth.
- Timelessness: Practical effects age better than CGI, which can look outdated as technology evolves.
The Hybrid Approach
Modern filmmakers often blend practical effects with CGI for the best of both worlds. For example, The Dark Knight used real car flips and explosions, with CGI only for minor enhancements.
Why This Matters for Kenyan Filmmakers
For Kenyan filmmakers, this trend is a golden ticket. With limited budgets, practical effects offer a cost-effective way to create high-impact visuals. Films like Supa Modo and Rafiki have already proven that grounded storytelling resonates globally. Now imagine adding bold, practical stunts to Nairobi’s streets as the backdrop for a high-octane chase, or a village transformed into a sci-fi set using handmade props.
Kenya doesn’t need Hollywood budgets it needs bold vision and clever execution. Practical effects can be the bridge between local authenticity and global appeal.
Spectrum Film School is one of East Africa’s leading creative media institutions, offering immersive, real-world training in:
• Special effects makeup
• Lighting and camera techniques
• Drone cinematography
• Film production and post-production
• Digital storytelling and visual effects
Spectrum Film School programs blend theory with hands-on experience, making them ideal for aspiring filmmakers who want to master both practical effects and CGI fundamentals. Whether you're pursuing a certificate, diploma, or online course, Spectrum equips you with the tools to create cinematic magic without needing a Hollywood budget.? Explore Spectrum Film School’s programs and apply
Nala Fatima
Greetings, film enthusiasts! I'm Nala Fatima, the dedicated Blog Writer for Spectrum Film School. My passion for storytelling through the lens of the camera and the written word fuels my work here. With a heart captivated by the world of cinema, I'm on a mission to bring you closer to the magic of filmmaking.
As your guide through the cinematic universe, I'm committed to unraveling the latest industry insights, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, and delving into the creative minds shaping the future of film. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the art and craft of storytelling through a cinematic lens.
Your thoughts and insights are invaluable to me, so don't hesitate to reach out and share your ideas, questions, and suggestions. Together, we'll embark on a captivating voyage through the world of film. Lights, camera, and action!
