ILM Visual Effects Artist Breaks Down ‘Hidden’ Digital FX

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Many of us love sci-fi movies – they’ve always been a favorite for those who enjoy imaginative stories. These films almost always feature impressive computer-generated imagery, like huge spaceships, monsters, and superhero action, and that’s a big part of what makes them enjoyable! While it’s obvious these effects aren’t real – nobody believes the *Millennium Falcon* chase was actually filmed in space – most viewers don’t realize just how many subtle effects are added to *enhance* the experience. That’s where the true movie magic lies – in those often-unseen details.

A recent video from *Vanity Fair* features Todd Vaziri, a compositing supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic, explaining the subtle visual effects he creates for popular blockbuster films.

It’s amazing listening to him talk about the small details added to complex visual effects. For example, adding swirling sand during the chase scene on Jakku in *The Force Awakens* was significant, but adding a small reflection of Rey inside the *Falcon* is a different level of detail. Even though you might not consciously notice these things, your brain still registers them, and they all contribute to making the effects feel real.

Vaziri also talks about creatively bending the rules of physics to improve visual moments in a scene. A good example is the opening shot of the Enterprise emerging from the ocean in Star Trek Into Darkness. It wasn’t just about showing water falling off the ship; the water had to fall in a visually compelling way. This required manipulating the digital effects to behave unrealistically, but in a way that looked best on screen.

That’s probably why so many visual effects artists – around 1900 – are needed for each film. It’s all done to make movies look their best.

Kyle Anderson is a Senior Editor at TopMob and the host of the “Laser Focus” podcast, where he takes a deep dive into pop culture. He also writes film and TV reviews, and you can find him on Letterboxd.

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2025-10-09 01:32