Products in the Media Industry 2

1. Animation

Animation is a form of video where we create the effect of moving images. Animation was often done without computers (you’ve probably made a flipbook animation in the corner of your textbooks before) but is typically created through computers and animation software now. Animation products include animated television programmes and films, gaming avatars and product animation for advertising.

Many media industry sectors use animation as a part of their business. For example, animation products are used in media sectors such as film, television, computer games, interactive media and the internet.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses animation:

• Film – Animated films are a significant genre within the film industry, showcasing a wide range of animation styles, such as traditional hand-drawn, stop-motion, and computer-generated imagery (CGI).
• Television – Animation is a prominent part of television programming, with animated series and cartoons catering to various age groups and interests.
• Computer games – Many computer games incorporate animation for characters, backgrounds, and in-game objects, as well as cutscenes and other narrative elements.
• Interactive media – Animation can play a role in interactive media experiences, such as multimedia presentations and information kiosks, to create visually engaging content and environments.
• The Internet – Online platforms, such as YouTube and social media websites, host a vast array of animated content, including short films, web series, and user-generated animations.

2. Special Effects (SFX, VFX)

Special effects (SFX) and visual effects (VFX) are visual techniques we use to create an illusion.

SFX refers to practical, in-camera effects that are created on set during the production of a movie or TV show. These effects can include mechanical devices, pyrotechnics, makeup, prosthetics, and animatronics. VFX, on the other hand, are digital effects added in post-production, after the shooting has been completed. VFX can include adding CGI characters or objects, compositing multiple images together, altering the appearance of an actor, or creating entirely digital environments.

There are three main industry sectors that use SFX and VFX products for their businesses. These are the film, television & computer game sectors.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses SFX and VFX:

• Film – Special effects are widely used in the film industry to create realistic and fantastical scenes, characters, and environments.
• Television – TV shows utilize special effects to achieve various visual enhancements, similar to films. This can include CGI, prosthetics, and other techniques for visual storytelling.
• Computer games – Special effects are integral to computer games, providing visual feedback for players. This includes various visual effects, such as particle systems, lighting, and animations.

3. Digital Imaging & Graphics

Digital imaging and graphics can be described are artwork that we produce using computer systems. Digital artists use software like Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop as well as hardware like graphics tablets to produce images & other graphics. Digital imaging and graphics products include still computer game images, online advertisements, logos, social media graphics and digital illustrations.

Many media industry sectors use digital imaging and graphics as a part of their business. For example, digital imaging and graphics products are used in media sectors such as film, television, print publishing, computer gaming, interactive media, the internet, and digital publishing.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses digital imaging and graphics:

• Film – Digital imaging and graphics play a significant role in film production, from pre-visualization and concept art to post-production compositing, visual effects (VFX), and colour grading.
• Television – TV shows incorporate digital imaging and graphics for various purposes, such as creating visual effects, designing sets and props, and enhancing the overall visual presentation.
• Print & digital publishing – publications like books and magazines incorporate digitally created images or graphics for their covers, advertisements, and editorial content.
• Computer games – Digital imaging and graphics are crucial to game development, including character and environment design, user interface elements, and in-game textures and assets.
• Interactive media – Interactive media experiences rely heavily on digital imaging and graphics to create visually engaging content and environments.
• The internet – Websites, online platforms, and social media utilize digital imaging and graphics for various purposes, including web design, digital advertising, and user-generated content.