You don’t have to be part of a movie-production crew to enjoy the world of computerized ‘make-believe’. And the nice thing is, a number of special effects software programs offer an interface that is totally novice friendly---very easy to work with and a cinch to master---so projects outside the major motion-picture arena such as commercials, corporate videos, game content production, and home-movie enthusiasts, for example, can enjoy the possibilities that special effects offer.
So Much To Choose From:
Some user-friendly software programs provide a library of thousands of effects that are effortless to utilize, and produce impressive, movie-quality creations that can be realized almost immediately. Chosen effects can be customized in limitless ways; and countless new effects can be created and saved for future use.Additionally, some programs provide library sets that are released every month which provide for an ever-growing collection. There is definitely something for everyone. Some programs are standalone applications and are designed to be compatible with any video editing or compositing software.
By bringing the actual footage or image sequence into the program, one can conveniently add chosen effects or create one’s own and then save the output movie or image sequence. One can save just the effects with an alpha channel so the rendered output can be loaded back into your compositing software.
Editing Software:
A variety of special effects can be added during the editing process. Editing software can combine multiple video clips, add complex transitions, and transform the video to 2D animation.Sound Editing Software:
Adding sounds, actor voiceovers and music can be quite easily accomplished with sound editing software. One can adjust volume and frequency, add reverberation or echoing, or convert a human voice to one that is robotic. |
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Free Special-Effects Software:
If you are dabbling in the world of special effects and have limited funds, take advantage of some software programs that are totally free. You’ll be able to create 3-D displays and much more; and though these freebies are not as unlimited as pricey software programs, they provide a wonderful introduction to the world of fanciful creativity; and you can have so much fun in the process! So get your feet wet:1: ArcSoft Magic-i Visual Effects 2.0.0.50:
This is a web-cam application that you will love if you use your webcam often. ArcSoft can add spice to a video chat client while having fun. It’s quite an extraordinary special-effects software that can be launched by default with the launch of a video chat program. Everything from thematic animated backgrounds to frames, masks and distortion filters can make one look heavy, thin, blurred or otherwise altered. Made for fun!2: Particleillusion:
This is a stand-alone special-effects software that is considered to be remarkable in its ability to create a plethora of special effects such as motion graphics backgrounds, abstractions, space effects, waterfalls, explosions—you name it; the possibilities are endless. It’s available as a free-trial with limited functionality but even then, the special effects offered are still far beyond what you would probably ever need.3: Zwei-Stein 3. 01
Zwei-Stein software is a non-linear, non-destructive video compositing and editing system which offers some highly-advanced features you won’t find with other complimentary options. It presents automatic key frames that allow panning, cropping and custom effects with absolute ease. One can edit 256 video, still image clips, audio, and up to 64 effects chained serially—quite impressive!While the world is grateful for practical software applications like a free FTP server by RLink, the aforementioned technology is just simply awesome. The only downside to this technology is that it is turning us into movie snobs… keep up the good work techies!
KarenAbout the Guest Author:
Nebraska is where Karen spends her retirement from teaching, and spoils her grandkids. For a free FTP server, visit rlink.rocketsoftware.com.