What are practical special effects? Practical special effects are physical effects created on a set using real materials. Early examples of practical special effects include stop-motion animation, substitution splicing, and matte painting. Modern practical effects encompass a variety of techniques, including animatronics, miniatures, and forced perspective. A wider range of practical effects have been used throughout many decades of movie magic and continue to be an essential backbone in filmmaking, including special effects makeup, explosions, gunfire, squibs, weather simulation, and vehicular stunts.
Iconic and beloved movies that showcase practical effects include “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977), “Jurassic Park” (1993), “Jaws” (1975), and “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), among many others. These films exemplify the creative solutions that can enhance any film or project. Even if you plan to use CGI (computer-generated imagery) effects, incorporating some practical effects will add depth and realism to your work.
At Western Stage Props, we offer a thoughtfully curated selection of special effects props designed to meet the needs of filmmakers, photographers, and creative professionals alike. Our range of Special FX Props includes everything from realistic blood and gore to faux dirt and snow, perfect for enhancing your plot or setting the scene.
Practical special effects can be effectively used during live performances. We provide a variety of fantastic props, including FX hairspray, easy-crush beer cans, and plastic beer bottles. These items enhance the authenticity of your scenes and are easy to handle during performances in front of a live audience.
Many memorable characters can be defined by a practical effect that happened to them. Whether it serves as the foundation of the entire plot or marks a character-defining moment, practical effects bring the script to life. If you're looking to fully immerse yourself in a character, we have you covered with faux actor cigarettes and Kryolan tear stick, enabling actors to truly lose themselves in their roles.
For beginner filmmakers on a budget, our reusable silicone puddles featuring slime blood and guts are a creative and cost-effective solution. Additionally, we offer a variety of costume and makeup effects, including scar gel and wardrobe aging sticks, to help achieve the look you desire.
Looking to create a dramatic moment? We stock blank ammunition, fake blood, and a pneumatic Squib for all your action-packed shootout scenes. We also stock breakaway glass and foam weapons for choreographed fight scenes. Explore our collection and elevate your project today!