Director
Creative or operational relevance to directing
Oversees all practical on-set effects: fire, rain, wind, smoke, mechanical rigs, and pyrotechnics. Not to be confused with the VFX Supervisor, who handles digital effects.
The Special Effects Supervisor — SFX, not VFX — is responsible for everything that happens on set: water, fire, wind, smoke, snow, explosions, breaking walls, moving rigs.
The Distinction That Is Constantly Confused
- SFX happens in front of the camera and is in the footage.
- VFX is created afterward on the computer.
Both work together, and the decision of what will be done practically and what digitally is made during pre-production — not on the shooting day.
What Is Responsible For
- Planning and budgeting of effects, including permits.
- Setup, testing, and repeatability — an effect that works once is worthless on set.
- Safety in the operational area, in conjunction with the safety officer and pyrotechnician.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Importance in production planning and execution
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Spezialeffekt-Supervisor"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?