What’s a special effects supervisor’s role?

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A special effects supervisor is responsible for creating all special effects during the production of a film or television series. This person oversees effects created by special effects technicians, each of whom may have a different specialty. Special effects in this case are distinguished from visual effects, created during the post-production or post-shooting process. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is a class of visual effects. On the other hand, special effects are created on the set with the cameras rolling, requiring long, careful and often expensive preparation beforehand.

“Special effects” refers to any technique used to create an illusion in a film or video production or even a photograph. Most people associate the phrase with the flashy and spectacular effects used in big-budget science fiction and fantasy films. Many other movies and TV series use special effects, however, including mainstream dramas, low-budget independent films, and even nature documentaries. Examples include using water jets to simulate rain or large fans to simulate wind. Another common special effect is filming an actor behind the wheel of a car, as if he were driving, when in fact the car and camera are being transported on a trailer.

In film and television production, special effects include simulated weather, explosions and gunfire, and car crashes. Makeup effects are another category, including fake wounds, age effects, and elaborate processes that can alter nearly every aspect of an artist’s appearance. Scenography can also incorporate special effects, such as simulating a collapsing building or other catastrophic event. Each effect is the responsibility of a separate technician or effects team. The special effects supervisor manages all these different departments, working with the director and other high-level technicians like the stunt coordinator.

The job of the special effects supervisor has changed a lot over the film’s history. Before animated or digital effects were common, most special effects had to be created on set during filming, requiring very expensive and elaborate preparation. In the 21st century, many sequences that would be difficult or impossible to film are created in post-production with CGI and other visual effects. CGI can be expensive and time-consuming, however, many effects are still created on set. In film parlance, these are called “hands-on” or “in-camera” effects.

Creating special effects, particularly explosions and car chases, can be dangerous. The special effects supervisor is responsible for ensuring the safety of the cast and crew. In the event of an accident, it is usually that person, not the director or producer, who is responsible. The special effects supervisor is also responsible for the overall effects quality of a production. If a major effect is unconvincing or amateurish, the entire production can come under fire and the special effects supervisor can have trouble finding another job.

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