Filmmaking Highlights

Multivision FX is a full-service special effects studio working in TV and Film. In this episode of Hollywood FX, Erik Beck tours their special effects workshop, learns the importance of knowing real human anatomy, and gets a demonstration of a gory Knife in the Head effect. Check out http://www.MultivisionFX.com to see more of their work!

Learn how to use your microphones to record the sharpest sound and be creative with your efforts.

Documentary making tips on how to develop characters that keep your audience interested in the story.

Indy Mogul has created a special Terminator-themed Your FX this month in honor of the New Terminator Salvation film.  Our first tutorial shows you how to make the inside of your arm look like it has a robotic skeleton, the second tutorial shows you how to recreate the Terminator make-up and faceplate. And of course, there's another great user-submitted clip montage with guns, explosions, and other great effects.  Thanks to everyone who has been submitting to the show!

At the heart of every movie is performance; the interpretation of the words on the page into living breathing characters. But how do you construct a movie that actors can sink their teeth into? Featuring interviews with Miranda Otto and Jeremy Sims.

Star Trek is famous for the transporter effect and Erik shows you how to recreate it using two methods: cheap and super-cheap.  You can definitely reproduce the transportation effect using fancy software programs in post-production, but in true DIY fashion, Erik utilizes the practical method used in the original series.

Charlie demonstrates techniques for recording quality sound with a boom mic.

Are you a fan of the darker movies? Do Batman, Touch of Evil, Sin City, and The Maltese Falcon make you pee your pants (You don't pee your pants while watching your favorite movies!?!...well...yea...me neither)? Learn how to get the look.

How to avoid common chromakey mistakes when using a green screen.

Learn 3-point lighting the foundation for all professional studio lighting for video.

Wanna get hit by a car and survive? This episode of Your FX includes a VFX tutorial for how to get hit by a car, a great telekinesis effect tutorial, and an action-packed special effect clip montage.

Learn how to apply greenscreen effects to a window, windshield or door. Examine how we planned out our video shoot to utilize a greenscreen to create an outdoor environment consistent with our storyboard.

The Terminator Movie franchise continues with Terminator Salvation, so Backyard FX had to answer the fans with a build from the movie.  This week, Erik builds a ripped-open chest that reveals a robotic endoskeleton like the one from the new trailer for Terminator Salvation.  For under $30, Erik shows you how to create the fake skin and robotic chest plate for the special effect. 

Film History - Learn about the history of making documentaries.