Special VS visual effects

Special effects

• Special effects are physical, such as make up, props, stunt props, costumes, models and pyrotechnics / real explosions. 
• For example, special effects will have been used during Robert Englund transformation when turning into Freddy Krueger, since SFX makeup was used to make his skin looked textured and almost burnt looking. Helping reinforce his evil, unhumanly character. 
• A mechanised prop is a prop that has mechanics in it, meaning it will typically move. For example, the JAWS shark prop had a mouth that opened. Creating a more realistic scene as the shark is actually moving rather than staying still like a stereotypical prop. This would have especially been more realistic looking back in the 90's since other digital effects weren't as developed.

Visual effects

• Typically made digitally, such as CGI and green screens. However, mattes also fall under this category. 
• For example, visual effects such as green screens will have been used when creating scenes in Spiderman such as when he's climbing up the side of a building. This is important as it not only helps keep the actors safe but it creates even more realistic dentitions due to editors being able to perfect frame the scene in regards to angels and positing. Helping give a more visually appealing, tense scene, as visuals can be edited to be more dramatic, such as having higher, scarier buildings - which is conventional to the action and advection genre. 

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