Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Practical & mechanical effects · Specialist

Special effects

Also called: SFX, practical effects, special FX

ELI5

Physical effects created during production instead of generated primarily in post.

Used in conversation

“Can production update us on the special effects before tomorrow’s call?”

Definition

Physical effects created during production rather than generated primarily in post.

Here “Special effects” means: Physical effects created during production rather than generated primarily in post. Other meanings are stored as separate sense entries and must be chosen explicitly.

Pitch context

You may encounter “Special effects” in production, set safety, stunts & practical effects conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Explains the physical-production roles, plans and safety systems behind the shoot.

Connected terms

  • Mechanical effectA mechanical effect is a physical mechanism; special effects is the broader on-set category containing mechanical, atmospheric, pyrotechnic and other practical effects.
  • Visual effectsSpecial effects are created physically during production; visual effects are created or substantially altered through post-production.
  • Sound effectThe search label “SFX” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 4

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.