Acquisition/Shooting

A small group of the visual effects (VFX) team works on set during the production to make sure that all the shots that will require VFX are shot correctly and to obtain the necessary data and references. Shooting may take place on a sound stage or outside for exterior shots. The Director works with the actors to block out a scene with the Assistant Director and Director of Photography. The Director of Photography and VFX Supervisor may discuss camera placement as it relates to VFX. The VFX Supervisor watches each performance carefully and monitors a number of things, including the eyelines of the actors and extras, any crossing of the matte lines, the locations of the actors, and the timing of the special effects, camera move, and actors. The VFX Supervisor has to keep in mind where the creature, or any additional objects, will be added and their timing relative to what the actor does.