A detailed insight into 50 of the most astonishing moments in SFX and VFX history from Ian Failes.
I wrote a new VFX book!
It’s called WHOA! Great Moments in Effects History Vol. 1. You can buy it in PRINT or Kindle right now on Amazon.
That’s the Amazon US link, but there’s a bunch of stores you can also grab it at: USA Canada UK Australia Germany France Spain Japan and many more.
So, what’s WHOA! about?
Well, I’ve often thought about those unforgettable effects moments in film or TV shows (and even in commercials) where you watch it, and you just simply go ‘Whoa!’. There’s shots like that in The Matrix (with Bullet Time, of course), or moments in films like Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park where I still can’t quite believe what I’m seeing.
So, I wanted to focus on those kinds of shots. There’s 50 featured here in this book, which you may have already clocked is ‘Volume 1’. I plan on writing a new volume regularly with more and more of my — and hopefully your — favorite effects moments in them.
The moments might represent individual shots, or other times they’ll be part of a larger moment in the project, and occasionally you’ll read about an overall approach to a certain kind of special or visual effect that was used, such as a single character achieved with incredible visual effects. They might be achieved solely with practical or optical effects methods, or with digital ones, or often a combination of both.
Do you mean VFX or SFX shots?
It’s both.
OK, but you have missed out a lot of super-cool effects shots. Like, so many.
I know! That’s why there’s going to be future volumes. And, I’d really love your suggestions for effects moments to feature in coming books. It could a specific shot or sequence, or it could be a character or vehicle, or a type of effect that you’ve loved.
Remember, there’s often multiple great effects moments in the same projects, so feel free to suggest a shot or sequence from a project where a different moment from that project has already been featured.
To send through your suggestion, drop me a line at beforesandafters@gmail.com. You’ll be helping to build up a fun record of innovation and artistry from past visual effects and animation projects. I’d love to hear your ideas!
Where are the photos of these effects moments in the book?
This is a good point. Importantly, WHOA! does not contain any color photographs, but instead there are illustrations. To be completely upfront, it is way too tricky these days to license the very specific photographs/images to highlight each effect. The video breakdowns will hopefully be your go-to reference for behind the scenes of each effects moment.
Wait, video breakdowns?
Yes! That’s an extra special aspect to this book. There will be an accompanying repository of video essays about each effects moment designed to take your understanding of great moments in effects even further.
You can start watching them below. They will be released weekly. Patreon VFX BONUS ACCESS subscribers also get access to the videos a week early.
Are you still doing befores & afters magazine, Ian?
Absolutely! The print and digital magazine continues just as normal. There are so many in the works right now, including on Project Hail Mary, Backrooms and The Mandalorian and Grogu. Find all the available back issues and how to get them here.
OK, I’m convinced, where do I get the new book again?
Follow this link for buying direct from Amazon US. And don’t forget the book is available from many other Amazon stores: USA Canada UK Australia Germany France Spain Japan and many more.
