special effects, in motion pictures, cinematographic techniques
that create illusions in the audience's minds as well as the
illusions created using these techniques. Some common examples
are the use of rear-screen projections, in which previously
photographed material is projected behind the actors; the
filming of miniature objects in such a way that they look life-
size; and the use of animation techniques to create realistic
looking scenes, creatures, or objects that can be combined with
live action that has been filmed separately. Disaster films,
horror movies, and science-fiction movies are three genres that
often depend on elaborate special effects. Such effects were
used dramatically in the Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark
series. See also motion-picture photography. The Columbia
Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia
University Press. All rights reserved. More on special effects
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