The main difference between animation and VFX is that, while animation is used for prolonged timespans, VFX is a very quick – yet impactful – bit of animation. Sometimes used for screen time of just a few seconds, VFX can be very prominent or not at all – depending on the way the director wants it.

Visual effects usually involve the integration of live-action footage with Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) or other elements (such as model work). Nearly every movie uses VFX to some extent. The Harry Potter films, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Golden Compass, etc. make extensive use of VFX to create realistic-looking fantastic scenarios. Did you know that Toy Story was the first-ever fully computer-generated feature film?

In India, VFX has extensively been used in films like Chak De India, Don, Krish, Dhoom II, and Om Shanti Om (where actress Deepika Padukone is

Television commercials too often use VFX. Remember the ‘cooling crystals’ on Saif Ali Khan’s toothbrush? Or the bright white teeth of the palace servants in the Happydent White ad? You have VFX to thank for those!