What is another term for special effect?

Answer 1

The Term "Special Effects" can denote:

A) a rather broad category of Motion Picture effects that includes all other categories of effects including In-Camera effects, Step-Printing, Optical Printing, Special Visual Effects, Blue-screen and Green-screen compositing, CGI, Titles, Prosthetics effects, and even to some extent other specialties like Stunts, miniatures, and special make-up for Motion Pictures.

or

B) A category of Motion Picture Effects focusing on Physical Effects performed on-set and in front of the camera, employing many and varied techniques including Puppetry, Split Scale, Rear Projection, Physical effects with fake blood, water, fire, hydraulics, smoke, or fog. They can also include Prosthetic make-up effects, Wire rigs, Miniatures and Maquettes, though it generally denotes effects performed full-scale on set in front of a camera. The main reason for the more Physical effects is to involve the actors much more than can be reasonably achieved with Post production techniques like compositing and CGI.;

Good directors know that what actually occurs in front of a camera ALWAYS looks better than what a computer can create, and currently for IMAX cameras this approach is much more economical, a driving force for the extensive Physical effects in "The Dark Knight" for instance.