Hybrid Animation, 2nd Edition

5

EFX

FIGURE 5.1 Melting Man, by Troy Gustafson

Lecture Notes

In the previous chapter, we discussed 3D characters with 2D parts. One of the examples we talked about was goo on a three-headed hydra. For this chapter, let’s take a look at the art of special effects (EFX). It is a worthy topic that is more than often left out of animation discussions.

When training the different departments in feature animation studios, I found that the EFX team was composed of odd, quirky individuals, more so than the other departments. In a building of more than 150 artists, who are normally slightly odd and fun loving, these individuals looked at things completely ...