CGI Visual Effects: Transforming Imagination Into Reality
At Foxtrot X-Ray, we use cutting-edge CGI visual effects to transform concepts into visually stunning experiences that capture audiences' imaginations.
Whether it's building a fantastical environment, designing a mythical creature, or creating breathtaking simulations, we deliver high-end CGI effects that help filmmakers, at all budget levels, bring their stories to life.
Our CGI Reel here captures the best of the best of our recent work in this specialized area.
What is CGI in Visual Effects?
Captivating Imagery Crafted Through Technology
Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) is a powerful tool in the world of Visual Effects (VFX) used to create breathtaking scenes, characters, and environments that simply can't be captured in real life.
CGI plays a critical role in film and television, allowing filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling by bringing the unimaginable into existence.
From creating futuristic cityscapes to crafting entirely digital creatures, CGI VFX is the invisible magic that transforms the big screen into a world of endless possibility.
How CGI Enhances Storytelling
Expanding the Boundaries of Imagination
At its core, CGI is about storytelling—taking an idea and giving it shape, texture, and motion. It's a collaborative medium that amplifies the filmmaker's vision and breathes life into their ideas, helping to construct vivid and unforgettable stories.
Whether it's crafting a magical realm or adding subtle atmospheric details, CGI brings cinematic stories to their full potential.
The music video “Count to Zero” tells the story of a man who is running out of time and gets the opportunity for a second chance. To express the themes of fate and time, the second half of the music video uses the metaphor of the internal workings of a clock rendered in CGI.
Types of CGI Visual Effects
Bringing Imagination to Reality, One Pixel at a Time
Creature Design and Animation
From mythical creatures to realistic animals, CGI brings all sorts of characters to life, enabling them to interact with live actors seamlessly. These animated creatures add a dynamic layer of storytelling that physical effects can't always provide.
For his segment of the witchcraft-themed anthology film Pendulum, titled “Bruja,” filmmaker Steven DeGennaro recruited Foxtrot X-Ray to create the unique demon creature seen here,
Digital Set Extensions and Matte Painting
With CGI, a modest physical set can be extended into a grand vista. Set extensions create the illusion of scale without the logistical and budgetary limits of building larger sets.
For the Arizona Commerce Authority’s “Future48” campaign, Foxtrot X-Ray created various this EV assembly plant, which was rendered with CGI and composited into the live action footage to extend set well beyond the limitations of the physical location.
Environment Creation
CGI can transport audiences anywhere—to sprawling alien cities, underwater worlds, or futuristic metropolises.
Entire environments can be constructed with CGI to create immersive settings for both small scenes and epic sequences.
For the Western Dead Man’s Hand, Foxtrot X-Ray used Unreal Engine to create a mystical cave environment containing a massive golden stalactite.
Director Brian Skiba was able to collaborate in real time with the Foxtrot team over Zoom to give feedback on the layout and camera angles, something which would have taken much longer with a conventional 3D pipeline. Skiba was able to ask for changes to the camera and see them immediately, just like interacting with his cinematographer on set.
Simulation Effects: Water, Fire, Smoke
Natural elements like water, fire, or smoke are often impractical to capture on set. CGI simulations offer realistic, controllable versions of these elements, adding spectacle to key moments without compromising safety or flexibility.
This full CG whiskey commercial is a great example of simulation effects, showcasing both liquid and fire sims using C4D, XParticles, JangaFX LiquiGen, Unreal Engine, and splash elements from The Pixel Lab.
The Process: From Concept to Completion
Crafting Every Detail, Step by Step
The creation of CGI VFX involves several key steps: Conceptualization, Pre-visualization, Modeling, Animation, Texturing, Lighting, and Compositing. Each stage is designed to seamlessly integrate the CGI with live-action footage, ensuring that the final product looks realistic and fits into the storytelling framework.
For this sequence of a fox walking down the sidewalk, the Foxtrot X-Ray team meticulously planned the shots, captured vital camera data and light probes during production, and used them to render and composite the fox into the live action footage.
How CGI Benefits Independent Filmmakers
Leveling the Playing Field for Indie Creators
The evolution of CGI technology has opened new doors for independent filmmakers.
High-quality visual effects are now more affordable, allowing indie films to take on the ambitious visual styles previously reserved for blockbuster budgets.
CGI empowers storytellers to think beyond physical limitations, expanding what’s possible on screen.
For the indie sci-fi adventure film Max Reload and the Nether Blasters, Foxtrot X-Ray was tasked with creating over 550 visual effects shots, including CG creatures made of Nether energy. This was an indie project with a budget well under $1 million, tackling a genre usually confined to the $100 million and up budget range - made possible through smart use of VFX and CGI and partnering with Foxtrot X-Ray from pre-production onwards.
Why Work With Foxtrot X-Ray for CGI Visual Effects?
The Partner You Need to Realize Your Vision
Our Expertise
Our team at Foxtrot X-Ray has years of experience producing high-end CGI visual effects for film and television. We've worked alongside renowned filmmakers, delivered exceptional VFX on tight deadlines, and pushed creative boundaries in every genre.
Tailored Solutions for Independent Filmmakers
We understand that budget constraints can be challenging for indie filmmakers, which is why we offer flexible, tailored CGI solutions that meet both creative needs and budget realities. Our approach is to maximize impact while keeping costs manageable.
Our Collaborative Process
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with directors, producers, and creative teams to understand their vision and help bring it to life. Whether it's crafting entirely new worlds or adding subtle effects that enhance a scene, we adapt our process to fit each project's unique demands.
For Meta and Crypt TV’s The Faceless Lady, Foxtrot X-Ray brought the spectral character of Sir Rockenby to life as a combination of live-action elements and custom particle simulations.
“Working with Foxtrot X-Ray was a wonderful experience. Creating memorable effects in VR was a unique challenge. We were in uncharted territory but they put us at ease.”
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
With Foxtrot X-Ray, you’re not just adding effects; you’re creating an experience.
Have an idea that needs a touch of magic? We're here to help make it happen. Let’s collaborate to transform your vision into cinematic reality—whether it's a short film, a pilot, or a feature-length masterpiece.