<div>All episodes and show notes for the "Ask An Artist" podcast, presented by ActionVFX.</div>

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<div>Stay up to date on the latest VFX industry news and trends.</div>

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<div>This is for industry news or any company news.</div>

News

<p>Halloween may be make-believe, but realism is kind of our thing.</p>
<p>And after learning that our blood and gore assets are “too real for YouTube,” we’re taking that as the highest possible compliment.</p>
<p>Welcome to Goremania 2025. This October join the celebration of brutal realism, over-the-top mayhem, and practical VFX you can feel in your gut.</p>
<p>This year, we’re going big. New assets. Big prizes. More mess.</p>
<h3>💀 What’s Up for Grabs</h3>
<p>You can win:</p>
<p>Blood Pools Vol. 1 – the tried-and-true fan favorite
Blood Pools Vol. 2 – our brand-new collection dropping Oct 16
$100 in ActionVFX Store Credit – to get whatever else you’re missing</p>
<p>Each winner gets all three. And yep, we’re doing this twice!</p>
<p><strong>Giveaway #1:</strong> Ends October 16 (winners announced that day)
<strong>Giveaway #2:</strong> Starts October 16 (featuring Gore Textures Vol. 2)</p>
<h3>🧛 How to Enter</h3>
<p>Visit the <a href="https://kingsumo.com/g/1knnnd1/goremania-kickoff-1800-in-prizes">Goremania Giveaway Page</a>
and complete any of the listed actions.
Each one earns you more entries, so the more you do, the better your odds.</p>
<p>✔️ Follow us on social
✔️ Share with friends
✔️ Explore gore collections
✔️ Drop your name in the blood-soaked hat</p>
<p>Quick. Easy. Zero jump scares.
Share Your Creations Using The Hashtag <strong>#Goremania</strong></p>
<h3>🩸 20% Off All Gore Assets — All Month</h3>
<p>From arterial sprays to oozing wounds and wall textures, all blood and gore collections are 20% off for the entire month of October.
No codes. No tricks. Just realistic, pre-keyed carnage built to save you time and gross out your colorist (in a good way).</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/600x338/f5ef659ecc/medium_dripping_blood_vol-1_thumbnail_v05-1.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Every collection is exported or shot practically with cinematic lighting, available in high resolutions, and designed to drop right into your comp with no mess (outside of frame, anyway).</p>
<h3>👇 Don’t Miss This</h3>
<p>🧟‍♂️ Giveaway closes Oct 16 — enter now to win Blood Pools Vol. 2 before it drops.
🩸 <strong>Gore assets are 20% off all month</strong>.
🎯 <a href="https://kingsumo.com/g/1knnnd1/goremania-kickoff-1800-in-prizes">Enter the Giveaway</a></p>
<p>🎯 Browse the <a href="actionvfx.com/collections/blood-gore/category">Gore Collection</a></p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1600x900/4cafda2ccf/goremania_giveaway_avfx.jpg" alt=""></p>


Win blood VFX assets + $100 credit during Goremania. 20% off all gore collections all October.

ActionVFX Goremania Giveaway

Win New Assets, Store Credit, and Unleash the Blood

<p>There’s a shift happening in the industry and no, it’s not about replacing artists with AI.
It’s about supporting artists with tools that make their work faster, cleaner, and more creative.</p>
<p>That’s exactly what the <a href="https://courses.actionvfx.com/comfyui-for-vfx">Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX</a> course was built to do.</p>
<h3>Launched as the first official course from ActionVFX Academy</h3>
<p>It’s already helped hundreds of artists and studios streamline their compositing workflows using ComfyUI — a free, powerful, node-based interface for Stable Diffusion.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/3840x2160/702f35b208/rotoscoping-comfyui-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Whether you’re dealing with digital cleanup, relighting, roto, or just want a better way to prototype complex looks, this course gives you a system to integrate AI into your existing VFX pipeline — without losing control or quality.</p>
<h3>What Is ComfyUI, and Why Should VFX Artists Care?</h3>
<p>ComfyUI is a node-based interface for AI image generation using Stable Diffusion. But while most people use it for concept art and image-to-image stylization, this course shows how to use it for production-level tasks, like:</p>
<p>You’ll learn how to generate clean plates without frame-by-frame painting, create smart mattes with ControlNet, relight subjects using depth maps, build image-based set extensions through inpainting, and export layered EXRs ready for compositing in Nuke, After Effects, or Resolve.</p>
<p>If you’ve ever found yourself spending hours patching backgrounds, painting out crew, or building masks by hand, this course gives you real alternatives that scale.</p>
<h3>Built for Working Artists</h3>
<p>Plenty of tutorials explain how to generate “cool-looking” AI images. But Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX is designed to help working professionals solve real problems — like delivering clean comps under pressure.
You’ll learn how to:</p>
<p>In this course, you'll build a ComfyUI workflow designed for VFX—not just AI art—using LoRAs, IP Adapters, and ControlNet to handle real production tasks, automate tedious cleanup without losing precision, export clean EXRs for your comp app, and use AI as a creative assistant, not a replacement.</p>
<p>The course is structured across 15 modules, each building toward a system you can use across clients, short films, game cinematics, and professional VFX shots.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/3840x2160/706f8ae2d6/comfyui-for-vfx-nuke.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>What Students Are Saying</p>
<p>The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive — not just in reviews, but in how artists are already applying what they’ve learned.</p>
<p><em>“Taking Intro to ComfyUI for VFX was a great experience. Starting with no prior knowledge, the course gave me a solid foundation and showed the real potential of ComfyUI to simplify heavy tasks and free up more time for the creative side of compositing.”</em>
— Alejandro Laviada, Digital Compositor</p>
<p><em>“I came to this course knowing nothing at all about Comfy. I’ve found it to be a great introduction to the possible workflows, and it was all explained in a very understandable way.”</em>
— Leo Weston, VFX Supervisor</p>
<p>These aren’t one-off comments. They reflect what so many artists have said: this is practical AI for VFX.</p>
<h3>Why Learn ComfyUI Now?</h3>
<p>Studios are already integrating AI tools into their pipelines — not to replace artists, but to reduce the manual burden of repetitive work.
And whether you're in commercials, feature films, or game cinematics, being able to create AI-assisted mattes, background replacements, and set extensions is becoming a valuable skill.</p>
<p>This course gives you a future-proof advantage by showing how to use AI tools the way a professional compositor would, with control, quality, and accountability.</p>
<h3>Less Guesswork, More Creative Time</h3>
<p>The future of VFX won’t be defined by who knows the most buttons — but by who uses their time best.</p>
<p>That’s what this course is about: giving you your time back. Less brute-force masking. Less frame-by-frame cleanup. More creative direction. More actual compositing.</p>
<p>Whether you’re freelancing, managing a pipeline, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve — Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX will change how you work.</p>
<p>👉 Enroll now and start learning the AI workflow VFX artists actually use:
<a href="https://courses.actionvfx.com/comfyui-for-vfx">https://courses.actionvfx.com/comfyui-for-vfx</a></p>


Learn how VFX artists are using ComfyUI to speed up cleanup, roto, and relighting. A practical, production-ready AI course built for real workflows.

ComfyUI For VFX

A Smarter Way to Composite: Why VFX Artists Are Turning to ComfyUI

<p>AI isn’t coming for the VFX. It’s already here.
And for artists who want to stay relevant, competitive, and creatively in control, it’s time to stop watching from the sidelines and start integrating it into your workflow.
That’s exactly what our new ActionVFX Academy course is built to help you do.</p>
<p><strong>Intro to ComfyUI for VFX</strong>
<a href="https://bit.ly/3IR8kBm">Sign-up Now for Early Bird Discount of 30% Off! </a>
Exclusively on ActionVFX Academy.</p>
<h3>This Isn’t Just Another AI Tutorial</h3>
<p>We’ve seen the YouTube thumbnails and the “prompt-to-magic” hype.
**That’s not what this is. **
This course is for compositors, technical artists, and VFX pros who care about real production quality, and want to understand how AI can support that work without replacing the fundamentals.
Taught by <strong>Doug Hogan</strong>, this is a structured, 15-module deep dive into ComfyUI — one of the most powerful AI tools in the VFX space right now. Whether you’re using it for lookdev, matte creation, clean plates, set extensions, or asset generation, this course gives you a repeatable, practical workflow that’s ready to plug into real-world shots.</p>
<h3>What You’ll Actually Be Able To Do After This Course</h3>
<p>By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Install and configure ComfyUI for your local or cloud environment</li>
<li>Build and troubleshoot image generation workflows from scratch</li>
<li>Use ControlNets, LoRAs, IPAdapters, and inpainting techniques effectively</li>
<li>Generate usable mattes, clean plates, and utility passes</li>
<li>Extend sets, create stylized variants, and design objects for 3D workflows</li>
<li>Export EXRs properly and upscale images for final output</li>
</ul>
<p>Everything is structured to build a modular, production-ready AI workflow that you can plug into your own projects, no matter the budget.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>AI can’t feel like a slot machine. If we’re covering AI-based workflows, we explain what it’s doing, why it matters, and how to recreate it with confidence.
<em>Doug Hogan, Course Instructor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Designed for Artists Who Refuse to Fall Behind</h3>
<p>This course is built for those who need clarity, control, and creative freedom in a rapidly evolving landscape:</p>
<p><strong>VFX Artists &amp; Compositors with Node-Based Experience</strong>
Especially valuable for Nuke users, this course digs into how AI integrates into established workflows—so you’re not left wondering if these tools are gimmicks or game-changers. You’ll learn how to implement them without breaking the visual continuity or pipeline conventions you already rely on.</p>
<p><strong>Students Preparing for a Changing Industry</strong>
Whether you're finishing a VFX degree or pivoting into the field, this course gives you a practical, grounded understanding of AI’s real role in production. You’ll gain insights that go beyond theory, skills studios are already starting to expect.</p>
<p><strong>Supervisors &amp; Leads Looking to Stay Strategic</strong>
If you're exploring where AI fits in your pipeline, this course presents concrete use cases and red flags. Learn how to evaluate tools not just for their novelty, but for how they can support efficiency, quality, and ethical production standards.</p>
<p><strong>Independent Creators &amp; Freelancers Navigating New Terrain</strong>
For those working solo or in small teams, AI can either be a shortcut or a stumbling block. We’ll show you how to use it responsibly and practically: saving time without compromising your voice or values.
If you’ve ever felt like AI tools are a black box of buzzwords and instability, this course pulls the curtain back. We’re teaching exactly how it works, how to use it, and how to know when to use something else.</p>
<h3>Made by Artists.</h3>
<p>We’re a studio-backed team of artists who believe that the more you understand your tools, the better your work becomes. This course is about helping our community stay sharp, confident, and ahead of the curve.
AI isn’t a threat to VFX, misunderstanding it might be. We’re here to bridge that gap, responsibly, clearly, and with full transparency. The more you understand how to use AI, the more you can use it your way.
This is essential core knowledge for artists looking to retool in a rapidly changing industry and unlock some exciting creative possibilities along the way.</p>
<h3>Sign-Up Now</h3>
<p>The full course drops September 2nd, but you can secure your access today.
Whether you’re looking to experiment, retool, or lead your team into the next chapter of VFX workflows, <strong>Intro to ComfyUI for VFX</strong>, is your starting point.</p>
<p><a href="https://bit.ly/3IR8kBm">Sign-up now and get 30% Off</a></p>
<p>Built for artists. Structured for production. Backed by ActionVFX.</p>


Announcing ActionVFX's First Course | Introduction To ComfyUI For VFX

ActionVFX's First Ever Course!

Introduction to ComfyUI For VFX By Doug Hogan

<p>We're spotlighting <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/c/vfx-magic">VFXMagic</a>, a passionate creator who’s turned their fascination with destruction into a high-impact, hyper-usable new collection: <a href="https://bit.ly/44Ga7So">Concrete Wall Cracks</a>.</p>
<h2>The Need For Wall Cracks</h2>
<blockquote>
<p>“I've always been passionate about VFX and love exploring high-quality real-life footage. ActionVFX has been my go-to source for top-tier elements across all kinds of effects. Since it has played such a big role in my creative workflow, I’m excited for the chance to give back and contribute to the platform that’s inspired and supported so much of my RnD work.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That mindset, driven by curiosity and creative momentum, is exactly what makes this collection stand out. Inspired by a recurring problem in many destruction scenes, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/c/vfx-magic">VFXMagic</a> set out to fill a real gap in the market… by quite literally creating cracks in the wall.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“As an Artist, I often found the need for clean, realistic wall crack elements that could integrate easily into destruction scenes. This inspired me to create a wall crack simulation in Houdini that captures the kind of detail and realism often missing from standard stock footage.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Made In Houdini</h2>
<p>This isn’t your typical crack decal or basic fracture pass. The attention to detail and usability shows from the very first frame.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I created this in Houdini, starting by hand-drawing the cracks. I then fractured the geometry based on the crack areas and paid special attention to debris breakup, edge details, and surface realism. Once the simulation was finalized, I rendered the footage with a clean background to ensure it’s easy to composite into any pipeline.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Even better? The collection includes options built specifically to support different workflows.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“The selection pass to isolate the inside crack or falling debris is what I find most useful, it makes it easy to interact and blend with any footage.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The end result is a set of assets that are easy to drop in, adaptable to a wide range of environments, and crafted with realism from the start.
<img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1152x648/411c89e04d/wallcrack.gif" alt=""></p>
<h2>Built for Filmmakers, Compositors, and Storytellers</h2>
<p>VFXMagic didn’t just make these assets for themselves, they made them for anyone telling stories with damage, destruction, or atmospheric decay.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“This product is ideal for VFX artists, filmmakers, and content creators who need quick-to-use, realistic wall damage or destruction layers. I imagine it being used in action scenes, architectural breakdowns, or to enhance sets with environmental storytelling.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Whether you’re crafting a Hollywood-level collapse or subtly aging a background wall in a short film, this collection has the range and flexibility to do both. It’s cinematic, clean, and surprisingly efficient to use.</p>
<h2>What Makes ActionVFX Different?</h2>
<p>Many platforms offer a place to upload assets. But very few make contributing feel like a true creative collaboration.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Its focus on high-quality, production-ready assets that are curated specifically for VFX artists. As someone who works on complex simulations, I appreciate the consistency, realism, and variety that make integrating their elements into professional workflows seamless.”</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>“I must say, they are very open to ideas, and it’s a pleasure working with them. The program helped me turn my creative experiments into valuable resources for other artists, while also motivating me to maintain high production standards in my personal work.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is what we’re proud of. Our contributor platform is giving artists a reason to keep creating. A place to turn technical play into polished product. And a global audience that sees the value in every frame.</p>
<h2>The Value of Sharing Your Work</h2>
<p>At ActionVFX, we often hear from contributors that just knowing their work might be used in something larger is a massive creative motivator. For VFXMagic, that impact is deeply personal:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“It’s an incredible feeling to know that my work could become part of films, games, or commercials seen around the world. As an artist, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your efforts contribute to storytelling on a global scale.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And while the <a href="https://bit.ly/44Ga7So">Concrete Wall Cracks</a> collection hasn’t hit the big screen just yet, they’re watching closely.</p>
<p>“Not yet, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how other artists use it. That’s the most exciting part, watching your work become a small piece in someone else's big creative vision.”</p>
<h2>Filling the Gaps</h2>
<p>At its core, the ActionVFX library exists to fill production gaps — and this collection nails that goal.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“There aren’t many clean, high-quality wall crack simulations that are easy to composite and come with flexibility like selection passes. This kind of asset saves time for artists who want destruction details without building everything from scratch.”
When we say <em>&quot;crafted by artists, for artists,&quot;</em> this is what we mean.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>What’s Next from VFXMagic?</h2>
<p>The creative momentum isn’t slowing down. VFXMagic already has plans to expand their contributions with more types of destruction and realism-rich elements.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“If given the chance, I’d love to create a collection featuring glass cracks, metal tearing, cloth tearing, and large-scale earthquake-style destruction. These elements add a lot of impact and realism to action scenes and are always in demand across different types of projects.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Become a ActionVFX Contributor</h2>
<p>So if you’re a VFX artist who’s passionate about sharing your tools with the community — just like VFXMagic, we’d love to hear from you. Until then, take a look at what they’ve built.
👉 Download the <a href="https://bit.ly/44Ga7So">Concrete Wall Cracks Collection</a> and see what happens when detail, usability, and creative intent come together.
High-quality VFX elements, crafted by artists for artists</p>


VFXMagic’s Concrete Wall Cracks collection shows what’s possible when artists create with production in mind. Learn how it was made.

Creating Concrete Wall Cracks 

A personal project into a go-to damage asset for filmmakers—plus why it’s easier than you think to do the same with ActionVFX

<p>When the ActionVFX team kicked off our recent asset production, we were focused on solving a real production gap. Artists were having to warp flat wounds, animating stills, or leaning on time-consuming paint overs just to sell a burn. We knew we could offer something smarter: realistic, animated practical burn wounds that react and disturb. That’s how we came to create the <a href="https://bit.ly/4nJ0BoR">Burning Flesh collection</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&quot;We knew we could do something that would be animated and grotesque and would just get something really fresh and new that would fit well with like a body on fire or burn wounds&quot;.
<em>Zac VanHoy, ActionVFX’s Asset Development Supervisor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Our goal was to create an asset that integrates into real workflows across horror, action, sci-fi — and sells the pain.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x1080/7ff69b64ae/burningflesh.gif" alt=""></p>
<h2>These Wounds Move</h2>
<p>Burn wounds in VFX are more than surface damage. They ripple, crackle, bubble. They respond to trauma, heat, movement. We built the <a href="https://bit.ly/4nJ0BoR">Burning Flesh collection</a> to do the same.
They’re fully animated practical elements, shot with blistering realism in high-resolution and designed to live inside your composite. Some assets pulse. Others shred or peel. All of them are deeply textured and deeply uncomfortable.
This makes them perfect for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Body-on-fire shots</li>
<li>Explosive aftermaths</li>
<li>Horror reveals</li>
<li>Sci-fi weapon burns</li>
<li>or supernatural attacks</li>
</ul>
<p>Because the elements are already reacting to heat and light, they comp in naturally. You spend less time selling the effect and more time building the story.</p>
<h2>Filming Practical Burning Flesh FX</h2>
<p>Making this collection meant committing to the kind of practical shoot you don’t fake.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“We also used some mixtures that you might would find in like a school project volcano… to get some fizzing and bubbling as well.”
<em>Zac VanHoy, ActionVFX’s Asset Development Supervisor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2000x1333/453ec359fe/fx-pros.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Collaborating with FX pros to build layered prosthetics and heat-reactive materials that would behave like burning flesh.</p>
<p>This shoot required full precision: prosthetics were timed to deform under heat; lighting rigs were calibrated to expose the wound textures at multiple burn stages. With controlled fire sources, blistering compounds, and high-speed capture, we were able to simulate how skin bubbles, splits, and chars in intense scenarios.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“It definitely gives you something that you're not going to be able to easily simulate in CG.”
<em>Zac VanHoy, ActionVFX’s Asset Development Supervisor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Realistic Burn FX</h2>
<p>Burning Flesh is built for the kinds of moments that leave an audience stunned.
We made this because we saw too many burn effects fall flat. Zac VanHoy, our Asset Development Supervisor, led this project from early tests through to post-production. What came out of it is a toolset that bridges creativity and technical control.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&quot;It’s something that is shot for real which always is a leg up… real fire, real explosions that we film… there’s still little nuances that you are going to get, imperfections that you're going to see when using and filming real objects and assets.&quot;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It hits that rare sweet spot: gross enough for horror, controlled enough for feature work, flexible enough for game cinematics, shorts, or commercial VFX.</p>
<p><strong>Ready to Use</strong>
The Burning Flesh collection is live now. Every clip is built with artists in mind, designed to work across After Effects, Nuke, Resolve, Fusion, Unreal, or whatever your pipeline calls for.
<em>Explore the collection:</em> 👉 <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/burning-flesh-stock-footage?position=1&amp;query_id=73d3235494df8cd40fcb756b62dc08f1">Burning Flesh Stock Footage Collection</a></p>
<p>Tag us <em>#MadeWithActionVFX</em> with your results, we love seeing how you use the assets.</p>
<p>If your next shot calls for trauma, tension, or something that makes people flinch — ActionVFX has the assets you need.</p>


Realistic burning flesh VFX assets—filmed practical effects to save time, boost realism, and outperform CG in fire and burn scenes.

BTS: How We Created the Burning Flesh Collection for VFX Artists

Whether you’re comping a post-explosion trauma shot or a body-on-fire horror sequence, nothing kills the realism faster than a wound that just sits there, unreactive to heat, motion, or lighting. The market is filled with flat textures, static decals, or digital paintovers that fall apart once you try to bring them to life.  So we built something new.

<p>If you want to build a career in high-end VFX compositing, learning The Foundry's Nuke is essential.</p>
<p>It’s the software used in major films, TV shows, and commercials because it’s built for high-end compositing. Unlike After Effects, where layers can get messy fast, Nuke’s node-based system gives you total control over every element of your shot.</p>
<p>To help you get started, we just launched a <strong>free Intro to Nuke course</strong>, led by <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/doughogan/">Doug Hogan</a></strong>—a senior compositor with 18+ years of experience in the feature film industry. He’s worked on projects ranging from indie films to major productions, and in this 6-part course, he’ll guide you through the fundamentals of Nuke, breaking down complex concepts into clear, practical lessons.</p>
<p><strong>What this 6-part course covers:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Understanding Nuke’s interface and workflow</li>
<li>The four essential nodes that power every composite</li>
<li>Green screen keying, masking, and advanced compositing techniques</li>
<li>3D compositing and integrating VFX elements</li>
<li>Industry best practices for structuring node graphs</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you're transitioning from After Effects or brand new to compositing, this course will teach you the right way to approach Nuke.</p>
<h2>Chapter 1: Understanding Nuke’s Workflow</h2>
<p>When you first open Nuke, it might feel overwhelming. The interface and workflow are vastly different from layer-based software like After Effects.</p>
<p><strong>In Chapter 1, Doug walks you through:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The Nuke interface and how to navigate it</li>
<li>How to set up your first project</li>
<li>Loading and converting image sequences</li>
<li>Why node-based compositing offers more control than layers</li>
</ul>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 1:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zRTDfuz8G80" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 2: The Four Essential Nodes for Every Composite</h2>
<p>You don’t need to memorize hundreds of nodes to work in Nuke—most of your work will rely on just a few.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Read</strong> – Brings assets into Nuke</li>
<li><strong>Merge</strong> – Controls how layers interact</li>
<li><strong>Transform</strong> – Moves, scales, and rotates elements</li>
<li><strong>Grade</strong> – Adjusts color and exposure for seamless blending</li>
</ul>
<p>Master these, and you’re well on your way to building professional composites. <strong>In Chapter 2, Doug breaks down how each works, giving you the practical skills to start efficiently structuring your Nuke node graphs.</strong></p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 2:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EgkScZEWoSk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 3: Rotoscoping and Masking Essentials</h2>
<p>Rotoscoping and masking are foundational skills for every compositor, giving you the control needed to isolate elements and integrate them seamlessly into a shot.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Roto &amp; RotoPaint</strong> – Create and refine custom masks</li>
<li><strong>Animated Masks</strong> – Add movement for dynamic compositing</li>
<li><strong>Workflow Best Practices</strong> – Stay organized and efficient</li>
<li><strong>Machine Learning Tools</strong> – Speed up rotoscoping with machine learning tools</li>
</ul>
<p>Master these techniques, and you’ll be ready to tackle complex compositing challenges with precision. In Chapter 3, Doug walks you through these essential tools, ensuring you have the skills for roto and masking in Nuke.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 3:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFZZMB3x8hY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 4: Gridwarp &amp; Depth Maps for Realistic Compositing</h2>
<p>In chapter 4, Doug teaches the tools that help you match elements to your scene with greater precision. You'll learn how to use Gridwarp and depth maps to control placement, add perspective, and build more realistic composites.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Element Integration</strong> – Add ActionVFX assets that feel like part of the shot</li>
<li><strong>Gridwarp Tool</strong> – Bend, distort, and animate elements with control</li>
<li><strong>Depth Maps</strong> – Use machine learning to generate accurate depth</li>
<li><strong>Atmospheric Effects</strong> – Add fog and haze that responds to your scene’s depth</li>
</ul>
<p>Doug breaks down how and when to use these tools so your shots feel cohesive and intentional. After this chapter, you’ll be ready to handle more complex composites with confidence.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 4:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CO6dGaBiX84" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 5: Color Matching for Seamless Composites</h2>
<p>In Chapter 5, Doug breaks down the color correction tools that make your elements blend naturally. You’ll learn how to match colors across your scene and make final adjustments that bring everything together visually.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Color Correction Tools</strong> – Use Grade, ColorCorrect, and HueShift nodes</li>
<li><strong>Element Matching</strong> – Balance colors across different layers for realism</li>
<li><strong>Final Adjustments</strong> – Refine contrast, saturation, and black points</li>
<li><strong>Organic Touches</strong> – Add subtle camera shake for a natural finish</li>
</ul>
<p>By the end of this chapter, your composites will look cleaner, more cohesive, and ready for final delivery.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 5:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rE_0JINOWYY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 6: Final Polish, Rendering, &amp; Professional Delivery</h2>
<p>In Chapter 6, Doug shows you how to bring everything together into a fully polished shot. You’ll finalize your composite, fix visual issues, and add the last details that make your work feel studio-ready.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Final Touches</strong> – Clean up your composite and fix any errors</li>
<li><strong>Color &amp; Effects</strong> – Apply subtle tweaks for consistency</li>
<li><strong>Rendering</strong> – Export a finished sequence for review or delivery</li>
<li><strong>Sound Design</strong> – Use machine learning tools to add immersive sound</li>
</ul>
<p>This chapter ties it all together so your composite is ready for the big screen.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 6:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rlp2TcBMNLU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Each chapter builds on the last, taking you step by step into the world of professional compositing. Be sure to <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">subscribe to our channel</a></strong> so you don't miss upcoming tutorials!</p>
<h2>Start Learning Nuke for Free</h2>
<p>If you’re serious about VFX, this is your chance to learn from an industry expert at no cost.</p>
<p><strong>Have any questions?</strong> Drop a comment in the videos and one of our artists will get back to you!</p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Learn Nuke in this free 6-part course by Doug Hogan, starting with the fundamentals and building up to professional techniques.

Master Nuke Compositing: Free Introduction Course to Nuke

<p><em>Last Updated: Jan 27, 2025</em></p>
<p>We’re excited to announce that we just launched the first wave of improvements to the <a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">ActionVFX subscription</a>! Here’s what’s new:</p>
<h2>Custom Credit Packs</h2>
<p>Credit packs are available for subscribers to scale their plan by purchasing additional credits as they need them. Previously, users were restricted to preset credit packs of 5, 10, and 20. However, this resulted in subscribers needing to purchase unnecessary credits and artists having difficulty passing costs down to clients.</p>
<p><strong>Subscribers are now able to purchase the exact number of credits they need to download assets, without restrictions.</strong> Additionally, subscribers still get bulk discounts on larger credit purchases.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2048x1270/e199bb9558/actionvfx-custom-credit-packs.jpeg" alt=""></p>
<h2>Essentials Plan Now Available</h2>
<p>After launching the ActionVFX subscription, we quickly realized that not every user benefits from month-over-month credit accumulation. Some users, especially hobbyists or freelancers, don't do enough compositing to justify this cost, or only require assets from the <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products/essentials-catalog">Essentials Catalog</a>. We're excited to launch a new plan that caters to the best interest of these artists.</p>
<p><strong>We just introduced the Essentials Plan, a new low-cost plan designed with freelancers in mind. Here’s what subscribers get with the Essentials Plan:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>20 daily downloads from the Essentials Catalog - a selection of 3,000 premium assets from over 90 collections.</li>
<li>The ability to purchase custom credit packs of any amount at any time.</li>
<li>Download in 4K and 6K from the Practice Footage Library.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you typically need less than 2-3 paid collections (or less than 30-50 individual assets) per year, this plan is a great option for you!</p>
<p>For individuals, the Essentials Plan costs just <strong>$29/month</strong> (billed annually) or $39/month (billed monthly). For small teams and studios, the plan costs <strong>$99/month</strong> billed annually or $139/month billed monthly.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Purchase the Essentials Plan</a></strong></p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1687x1091/e04bd90622/actionvfx-essentials-plan.jpeg" alt=""></p>
<h2>The Essentials Catalog Just Became Substantial</h2>
<p>If the new Essentials Plan piqued your interest or if you’re currently subscribed to one of our Plus plans, you’ll be happy to know that <strong>we doubled the size of the Essentials Catalog to include 3,000 premium assets from 91 collections.</strong> These assets are available to all subscribers on a paid plan.</p>
<p>Some of the top collections now in the Essentials:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/dust-waves-vol-2-stock-footage">Dust Waves Vol. 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/exploding-debris-stock-footage">Exploding Debris Vol. 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/ground-fire-stock-footage">Ground Fire Vol. 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/fire-sparks-close-stock-footage">Fire Sparks - Close</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/3d/ah-64-apache-helicopter-3d-model">AH-64 Apache Helicopter 3D Model</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products/essentials-catalog">Explore the Essentials Catalog</a></strong></p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2048x1152/29aa470feb/essentials-catalog-assets-actionvfx.jpeg" alt=""></p>
<h2>Monthly Additions to the Essentials Catalog</h2>
<p>We're excited to announce that <strong>we'll be adding new collections to the Essentials Catalog on the first of each month.</strong> These collections, which normally cost credits, will be available to download without credits from the Essentials Catalog all month.</p>
<p><strong>The first monthly Essentials Catalog collection will be added on February 1st!</strong></p>
<h2>Other ActionVFX Updates:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Licenses are now available as PDFs for easier proof-of-licensing for your clients.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/free-vfx/category">Free assets</a> are now available on your “My Downloads” page after downloading.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have more feedback on how we can improve the ActionVFX subscription, please reach out to our team at support@actionvfx.com. We are in the process of developing our next wave of improvements, so we are eager to consider your ideas!</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f9ntpwS6zUo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Explore our pricing plans</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">browse the library.</a></strong></p>


Here's what's new to the ActionVFX subscription, including custom credit packs, Essentials Catalog expansions, and more!

Exciting First Wave of Subscription Improvements

<p>You shouldn't have to spend long hours cleaning up low-quality stock elements. When you're doing that, it feels like you're working <em>against</em> your project rather than moving it forward. For VFX artists, having reliable, high-quality assets isn't just a luxury; it's essential. But in a tough industry climate, balancing quality with affordability is more important than ever.</p>
<p>That's where <a href="https://actionvfx.com">ActionVFX</a> comes in. You deserve high-quality assets without being forced to break your bank. That's true whether you're an indie creator or run a large studio.</p>
<p>In this article, we'll highlight some of the top deals you can get at ActionVFX in 2025.</p>
<p>For reference, credits start at $9.90 for Individuals.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/the-future-of-actionvfx">Learn more about credits</a></strong></p>
<h2>8. Boat Wakes Water Simulations | 4 assets for 8 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/d80b5887a9/boat_wakes_vfx_still_web.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Forget spending hours on water simulations. These pre-keyed boat wakes bring your shots to life quickly and cost-effectively—perfect for tight deadlines and big projects.</p>
<p>These pre-keyed boat wake assets have already made it to our bestseller list for 2024!</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/43138028a1/boat-wakes-water-simulation-looping.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 4
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 2 credits
<strong>Price of Entire Collection:</strong> 8 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/boat-wakes-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<h2>7. Fabric Squib Hits | 30 assets for 20 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x1080/c3f5c5905b/fabric-bullet-hits.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Fabric bullet hits are finally here! This highly-requested collection gives you full creative control—match the fabric to your shot or swap in your custom wound textures.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/82cce0cebe/fabric-bullet-hits-with-matte.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 30
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 1 credit
<strong>Price of Entire Collection:</strong> 20 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/fabric-squib-hits-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Works Well With:</strong> <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/blood-splatter-stock-footage">Blood Splatter Vol. 1</a> (107 assets for 20 credits) and <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/bullet-hole-textures-vol-2-stock-footage">Bullet Hole Textures</a> (free for subscribers)</p>
<h2>6. Atmospheric Smoke &amp; Fog Vol. 3 | 46 assets for 30 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/542a153657/atmos_smoke_fog_vol_3_vfx_scene.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Our <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/smoke/category">smoke and fog collections</a> are some of most popular assets due to their extensive use cases. This collection, our most popular atmospheric collection, offers 46 clips of realistic fog, including evaporation, lingering, and windy variations. Its versatility makes it a go-to for everything from eerie forests to gritty industrial backdrops.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/88c55b9aa1/actionvfx-fog-comparison.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 46
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 2 credits
<strong>Price of Entire Collection:</strong> 30 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/atmospheric-smoke-fog-vol-3-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<h2>5. Building Fire Essentials | 50 assets for 30 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2000x1125/d4c4ddce5a/building-fire-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>This long-time favorite Variety Pack has all the assets you need to burn down a house or building in your shot. It includes 50 real fire assets from six of our best structure fire collections.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/e2e409d421/building-fire-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 50
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 1 credit
<strong>Price of Entire Variety Pack:</strong> 30 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/building-fire-essentials-stock-footage">Download Variety Pack</a></strong></p>
<h2>4. Body Fire | 50 assets for 30 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2000x1125/0b62acb15a/body-fire-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>This bestselling collection has 50 real fire assets shaped for burning on heads, torsos, backs, and arms. Many of the clips also have chaotic winds to match actor movements.</p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 50
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 1 credit
<strong>Price of Entire Collection:</strong> 30 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/body-fire-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<h2>3. Rain | 35 assets for 20 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/384711376a/rain_car_compv2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>If you're looking for some of the most essential collections to add to your personal VFX toolkit, this is a great one to start with since you'll use it regularly. It has 35 real falling rain elements with variations of rain intensity, distance, and wind amount. Plus, you can get the entire collection for only 20 credits!</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/5e020dcaf1/rain_depth_layeringv2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 35
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 1 credit
<strong>Price of Entire Collection:</strong> 20 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/rain-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Works Well With:</strong> <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/rain-drops-on-ground-stock-footage">Rain Drops on Ground</a> (24 assets for 20 credits) and <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/rain-on-glass-stock-footage">Rain on Glass</a> (30 assets for 20 credits)</p>
<h2>2. Blood Hits | 45 assets for 20 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x1080/48b3794122/blood-hits-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>This collection of real blood hits is an essential for any projects using guns or gore, and it's one of our most popular collections. It includes 45 real blood hits and bursts with various angles and blood amounts. Priced at only 20 credits, you're getting more than 2 assets per credit when you download the entire collection.</p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 45
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 1 credit
<strong>Price of Entire Collection:</strong> 20 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/blood-hits-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<h2>1. Muzzle Flashes Vol. 2 | 116 assets for 20 credits</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/800x450/d0b684736b/muzzle_flashes_vol_2_vfx_shot-1.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>This collection has 88 video and 28 still prekeyed muzzle flash assets assets from 12 different weapon types. All for only 20 credits, meaning you get almost 6 assets per credit!</p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 116 (88 video, 28 stills)
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> 1 credit
<strong>Price of Entire Collection:</strong> 20 credits</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/muzzle-flashes-vol-2-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<h2>Bonus (Free for Subscribers): Gas Explosions Vol. 1</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x1080/e37e299b5b/gas-explosions-vol-1-1.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products/essentials-catalog">The Essentials Catalog</a></strong> contains 1570 assets from 36 collections free for all subscribers with an <a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">ActionVFX credit plan</a>. And even if you cancel your plan, your assets from the Essentials Catalog stay on your account forever. Gas Explosions Vol. 1 contains 44 real explosion assets. Unlike many explosion collections, they're filmed vertically so that almost all of them stay completely in frame.</p>
<p><strong>Number of Assets:</strong> 44
<strong>Price Per Asset:</strong> Free for subscribers (20 downloads per day)
<strong>Price of Subscription:</strong> <a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Starts at $59/month</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/explosions-stock-footage">Download Collection</a></strong></p>
<h2>Why Does ActionVFX Use Credits?</h2>
<p>Freelancers and small teams need flexibility. That’s why our credit plans let you save up for busy periods while keeping costs manageable during slower months.</p>
<p>Here are a few key features of the ActionVFX credit plans:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Credits roll over for 12 months</strong>, allowing you to save and spend them as you need.</li>
<li>Save monthly costs by enrolling in a low-credit plan. If you need more credits, you can purchase additional credit packs.</li>
<li>Unlike previous ActionVFX subscription models, <strong>you're not locked into specific assets</strong>. Your credits can be used on any asset in our library.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Is ActionVFX a Good Option for Independent Artists?</h2>
<p>While our assets are regularly used by large studios, ActionVFX is also a great option for more budget-conscious independent creators. Even if you're not looking for a year-round subscription, you can still benefit from the savings that credits provide due to the design of the credit model.</p>
<p>Wish subscriptions didn't lock your purchases behind a second paywall? One of the benefits of our ActionVFX credit plans is that you get to <strong>keep any assets you download</strong>, even if you cancel your plan. <strong>This allows independent creators who can't afford a month-over-month subscription to still benefit from the lower cost of credit plans compared to individual asset purchasing, without needing to pay for credits each month.</strong></p>
<p>As long as you need more than one asset at a time, ActionVFX credit plans are a great option for you. These top deals of 2025 are great collections to start with!</p>
<p>Whether you're a solo creator or running a small team, ActionVFX’s credit plans are designed to help you save money without sacrificing quality.</p>
<h3>What is ActionVFX?</h3>
<p>New to ActionVFX? We are <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/testimonials">praised</a> as the industry's best source for production-quality VFX assets. Our elements are regularly used in blockbuster movies, games, and TV shows. Most recently, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/godzilla-minus-one-vfx-oscar-on-a-budget">the team at Shirogumi</a> used our assets to create the Oscar®-winning VFX in <em>Godzilla Minus One</em>.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">Explore our VFX library</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Purchase a credit plan</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Here's a compilation of some of the best VFX asset deals of 2025.

Best VFX Asset Deals of 2025

Create a wishlist with the top VFX asset deals of 2025.

<p>We’re thrilled that Shirogumi chose ActionVFX assets to bring Godzilla Minus One to life, helping it become the first Japanese film to win an Oscar® for Best Visual Effects.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/godzilla-minus-one-vfx-oscar-on-a-budget">Read more and watch the VFX breakdown here.</a></strong></p>
<p>To celebrate this milestone and the start of our <strong><a href="https://offers.actionvfx.com/blackfriday/">30% off Black Friday sale</a></strong>, we're giving three lucky winners some of the bestselling pyro collections used in the film’s incredible VFX.</p>
<p>Enter daily starting <strong>November 19th</strong> for a chance to win!</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://kingsumo.com/g/10pxwn3/win-four-pyro-collections-used-in-godzilla-minus-one-800-value">Enter Giveaway</a></strong></p>
<h2>Prize Features</h2>
<ul>
<li>$800 value</li>
<li>4 bestselling collections (176 assets)</li>
</ul>
<h2>What You Could Win:</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/explosions-vol-2-stock-footage">Gas Explosions Vol. 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/big-gas-fire-stock-footage">Big Gas Fires</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/dust-explosions-stock-footage">Dust Explosions Vol. 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/muzzle-flashes-vol-2-stock-footage">Muzzle Flashes Vol. 2</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://kingsumo.com/g/10pxwn3/win-four-pyro-collections-used-in-godzilla-minus-one-800-value">Enter Giveaway</a></strong></p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x823/2132925ea3/godzilla-minus-one-city-destruction-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Enter to win four pyro VFX collections used in Godzilla Minus One | $800 Value

VFX Giveaway: Win $800 of VFX from Godzilla Minus One

<p>If you’re looking for 2023’s standout films, <em>Godzilla Minus One</em> is hard to miss. Not only did it tell a compelling story—something fans often felt was missing in previous Godzilla films—but its visual effects were phenomenal. And to top it all off, the film’s VFX team at Shirogumi walked away with a well-earned <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3q7SaXhCPE">Oscar® for Best Visual Effects</a>, marking the first time a Japanese film has won an Academy Award® for VFX.</p>
<p>What’s even more impressive? They did it all on a $15 million budget, while most blockbusters cost well over $150 million. We’re excited that ActionVFX was one of the key resources Shirogumi compositors used to streamline production and create hollywood-level VFX.</p>
<p>With so many high-budget films <a href="https://3dvf.com/en/no-cgi-is-really-just-invisible-cgi-a-must-watch-series-of-videos/">downplaying or even lying</a> about the work of VFX artists, it’s refreshing to see the artists at Shirogumi getting the recognition they deserve for their extraordinary VFX in <em>Godzilla Minus One</em>.</p>
<p>We had the privilege of interviewing <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7111903/">Ryo Matsumoto</a>, one of the nine compositing artists at Shirogumi’s Chofu Studio. Ryo’s team won the Oscar® for Best Visual Effects for their work on the film. Ryo gave us a behind-the-scenes look at <em>Godzilla Minus One</em> and talked about how ActionVFX helped them create award-winning VFX on a budget.</p>
<p><strong>Watch the full interview:</strong>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rocH7GZIll0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h1>Shirogumi: The VFX Studio Behind Godzilla Minus One</h1>
<p><a href="https://shirogumi.com/">Shirogumi</a> is one of Japan’s top VFX studios, known for handling 3D animation, simulations, and complex effects on limited budgets. You might have seen their work in <em>Parasyte 1</em> and <em>2</em> or <em>The Eternal Zero</em>. But with <em>Godzilla Minus One</em>, they’ve taken things to the next level.</p>
<h1>VFX in Godzilla Minus One</h1>
<p><em>Godzilla Minus One</em> features 610 VFX shots, making up an incredible two-thirds of the entire movie. The VFX team responsible for the film consisted of 35 artists, 9 of whom were responsible for compositing. They used a mix of Nuke for compositing, Houdini for simulations, and Maya and Blender for CG.</p>
<p>Ryo explained, “In order to make the best use of limited resources, each of us had several different roles other than working on individual shots. Some of us were on set, some worked on previews, R&amp;D, or look development. Some worked on both CG and compositing.” Ryo himself was responsible for compositing 88 shots. He also worked on look development and creating Python scripts for Nuke.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2000x1125/f6bffd532e/godzilla-minus-one-bts-city-destruction.jpg" alt="Godzilla walking through the city | Godzilla Minus One, Ryo Matsumoto"></p>
<p>Shirogumi’s success really boiled down to smart use of resources, a talented team, and great communication with the director.</p>
<h2>Streamlined Approval Process Led to Better Communication</h2>
<p>Unlike many large VFX teams that deal with long approval chains, Shirogumi had a major advantage—writer and director <a href="https://www.vfxvoice.com/takashi-yamazaki-achieves-kaiju-size/">Takashi Yamazaki</a> was also the VFX supervisor. This meant the artists had direct access to him for feedback.</p>
<p>“The director is usually stationed in the studio, so we, the artists, can ask him to check our shots whenever we're ready. Once we get approval from the director, we are free to improve the quality as much as we want. Sometimes we even suggest adding new shots if we think that makes it better,” Ryo shared.</p>
<h2>Limited Practical Effects Helped Them Stick to a Budget</h2>
<p>With a modest budget, the use of practical effects was limited. Instead, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/how-to-create-epic-set-extensions-with-vfx">CG set extensions</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HrxAAcB2dM">VFX elements</a> from ActionVFX helped build the realistic scenes, saving millions of dollars.</p>
<p>For example, as Yamazaki mentions in this breakdown, all of the ships in the film use the same practical set, and illusions of movement were created using a combination of cranes and actor performance.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T4pi1F25sxg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>This scene of Godzilla destroying a CG city showcases the phenomenal work of Shirogumi’s VFX artists:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IS_JthTUtJY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>This breakdown does a good job of showing how intricate the VFX team’s work needed to be, but also how effective it was.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GqnnmtrW6TM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Far from being a disadvantage, their use of VFX allowed them to tell a story that would not be possible without the technologies of our day. Godzilla’s head alone had a 200 million polygon count. As director Yamazaki said in an interview, “Before all the digital technology and what we have access to today, when Godzilla was still filmed using a suit, a lot of the physical limitations of a rubber suit implied that it was only the size of a human. That limited what filmmakers could do with things like the level of detail regarding how Godzilla affects its surrounding water or the destruction of cities.”</p>
<p>Maybe Christopher Nolan should have gotten the memo from Yamazaki…</p>
<h2>ActionVFX Stock Footage Saved Time &amp; Money</h2>
<p>One of the tools that gave the team at Shirogumi a significant leg up was the availability of VFX stock elements. Specifically, the team leaned on <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products">ActionVFX’s assets</a>.</p>
<p>If you’re not familiar with VFX stock elements, here’s a quick explainer:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3HrxAAcB2dM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Ryo explained how critical these elements were: “There are times when you just need to place atmospheric smoke, fire, or dust explosions around Godzilla's feet. That's when ActionVFX comes in handy.” He also noted that using pre-shot, realistic elements helped ground the CG sequences, creating a more believable final product.</p>
<p>Here's a reel highlighting some scenes using a wide variety ActionVFX collections like <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/dust-waves-vol-2-stock-footage">Dust Waves Vol. 1</a>, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/dust-explosions-stock-footage">Dust Explosions Vol. 1</a>, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/ground-bursts-stock-footage">Ground Bursts</a>, and more:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PS8dy98HumY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>More importantly, using <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products">pre-made VFX elements</a> from ActionVFX saved the team a tremendous amount of time and allowed them to focus on polishing other areas of the film. As Ryo added, “Even if you have a schedule with plenty of time, with the extra time you get from using such assets, you can work on something else to improve the quality—or you can just go home and take a rest.”</p>
<p>It is a huge honor that the team at Shirogumi relies on <a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">our assets</a> so much. As Ryo told us, &quot;When it comes to pre-made VFX assets, the first thing that comes to our mind is ActionVFX.&quot;</p>
<p>You can download the <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/smoke/category">smoke</a>, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/fire/category">fire</a>, and <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/explosions/category">explosion</a> assets Shirogumi used in our library.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x823/2132925ea3/godzilla-minus-one-city-destruction-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<h1>Takeaways from Godzilla Minus One for VFX Artists and Studios</h1>
<p><strong>Versatility Wins:</strong> On smaller-budget projects like Godzilla Minus One, the ability to take on multiple <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/vfx-careers-a-complete-guide-to-vfx-salaries-and-getting-started">roles</a>—whether it's compositing, CG, or writing custom scripts—can be a game-changer. Being flexible and proficient in tools like Nuke, Maya, Blender, or Houdini allows you to contribute more across the board.</p>
<p><strong>Clear Communication is Key:</strong> Direct access to decision-makers like the director helped the team work faster and make better choices. It also gave the artists more creative control over the movie.</p>
<p><strong>Make the Most of What You Have:</strong> Shirogumi relied on set extensions, FX simulations, and ActionVFX stock footage to pull off some incredible scenes. If they can impress audiences with a $15 million budget, so can you!</p>
<p><strong>Stock Footage Saves Time:</strong> Using <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products">stock elements from ActionVFX</a> helped the team work faster and add details to make the visuals more grounded and realistic. That extra time let them focus on the finer details—and, sometimes, even <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/how-crafty-apes-use-actionvfx-products-to-gain-a-competitive-edge">head home a little earlier</a>!</p>
<p><em>Godzilla Minus One</em> shows what can happen when a talented VFX team gets creative with <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/5-critical-vfx-tips-for-filmmakers-on-a-budget">limited resources</a>. By being smart with their tools and working well together, Shirogumi managed to produce an Oscar®-winning film that rivals big-budget blockbusters. It’s a solid reminder for VFX artists that sometimes creativity and teamwork matter more than how big the budget is.</p>
<h2>You Can Use Oscar-Worthy VFX Assets</h2>
<p>New to ActionVFX? Our library of over 11,000 hollywood-quality VFX assets are <a href="https://actionvfx.com/testimonials">trusted by 300,000 VFX artists</a> and studios worldwide. We are proud to be relied on by visual effects teams for blockbuster movies, games, and shows like <em>Avengers: Endgame</em>, <em>Spider-Man: Far from Home</em>, <em>Stranger Things</em>, <em>The Walking Dead</em>, <em>Call of Duty</em>, and many more.</p>
<p>The ActionVFX library contains a wide variety of VFX assets from massive explosions or atmospheric effects to beetles and blood stains; and new assets are added every month. If these would help streamline your VFX workflow like they did for Shirogumi, <strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">explore our library</a></strong>!</p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Learn about Godzilla Minus One's Oscar®-winning VFX on a $15 million budget and key takeaways for VFX artists.

Godzilla Minus One: Oscar-winning VFX on a Budget

How Shirogumi used ActionVFX to create VFX that won an Oscar® on a budget.

<p><em>Updated: August 2025</em></p>
<p>As a VFX artist, you know the pressures and costs of competing in a demanding industry. Your workload changes month-over-month, and high-cost simulations or subscription services can be a drain on your resources.</p>
<p>While you’re able to purchase ActionVFX collections, the most affordable way to access the library is through the ActionVFX subscription. The <a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">ActionVFX subscription plans</a> are designed to give you scalable, affordable access to our growing library of <a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">over 12,000 production-quality VFX assets</a>.</p>
<h1><strong>Why the ActionVFX Subscription?</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li><strong>Affordability</strong>: Enjoy significant savings compared to individual asset purchases with flexible subscription options.</li>
<li><strong>Ease of Use</strong>: Credits roll over for 18 months, ensuring you have them when you need them.</li>
<li><strong>Flexibility</strong>: Spend your credits your way, on any type of asset.</li>
<li><strong>Essentials Catalog</strong>: Access over 3,000 assets with no credit costs (new additions monthly)</li>
<li><strong>Scalability</strong>: Perfect for everyone, from solo artists to large enterprises.</li>
</ul>
<h1><strong>How ActionVFX Credit Plans Work</strong></h1>
<p>Our credit-based system gives you affordable and flexible access to our asset library, including third-party contributor assets.</p>
<p>Think of your ActionVFX credits like your VFX savings account. You accumulate them when projects are slow and use them when you need to ramp up production. With our system, you can access both 2D and 3D assets at your convenience, with the <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products/essentials-catalog">Essentials Catalog</a> (3,000+ asset with new additions every month) providing assets that don’t cost any credits.</p>
<p>Whether you're on a monthly or annual plan, credits roll over each month for 18 months, allowing you to build a balance for larger projects.</p>
<h1><strong>ActionVFX Subscription Offerings</strong></h1>
<p>Our subscription model is built for flexibility, so whether you’re a hobbyist, indie filmmaker, or running a major studio, there’s a plan tailored just for you.</p>
<h2>ActionVFX Free Forever Plan</h2>
<p>Get started with our Free Forever Plan and unlock a curated selection of <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/free-vfx/category">top-tier assets</a>—completely free. Enjoy up to <strong>10 downloads per day from our Free VFX and Practice Footage libraries</strong>. That gives you access to over 650 free, hollywood-standard VFX assets and over 500 2K professionally-shot practice clips for compositors. Plus, you’ll join our Discord community to connect with fellow creators, exchange ideas, and find support.</p>
<p>This plan is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to sharpen their compositing skills without making a financial commitment.</p>
<h2><strong>Essentials Plan ($29/month annually, $39/month monthly)</strong></h2>
<p>This plan provides access to the Essentials Catalog without any recurring credits. Perfect for users who want access to high-quality assets without committing to a credit plan. The Essentials Catalog includes over 3,000 production-quality assets, with new collections added monthly. Subscribers can purchase collections or individual assets outside of the Essentials Catalog as needed.</p>
<h2><strong>Individual Credit Plans</strong></h2>
<p>Our Individual Plan, starting at $59 per month, is designed for solo artists and independent creators who need premium VFX assets on a project-by-project basis. This plan offers access to our library that scales with your workload without breaking the bank.</p>
<p>With this plan, you can <strong>use your credits on any asset in our library and download 4K Pro Practice Footage files</strong>.</p>
<p>To help you get the most out of your subscription, all paid plans include access to the <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products/essentials-catalog">Essentials Catalog</a>—a library of over 3,000 assets you can download without using any credits.</p>
<p>Choose from flexible monthly plans starting at <strong>$69</strong> per month for 5 credits.</p>
<p>With our discounted annual plans (starting at <strong>$59 per month</strong>) , you’ll get all your credits upfront, with options for 60, 120, or 240 credits, depending on your tier.</p>
<p>With assets typically priced between 1-4 credits and a 12-month credit rollover, you should always have credits in your account when you need them. If you ever need more, you can purchase additional credits.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Get a credit plan</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Startup Credit Plans</strong></h2>
<p>If you’re like 9 out of 10 VFX artists, a lack of access to high-quality VFX stock assets would put you at a significant disadvantage to your competition. But for small teams, paying for an expensive year-round subscription isn’t always feasible.</p>
<p>Our Startup Plan is built for teams and small studios with annual revenues under $3 million, providing a robust solution for growing teams.</p>
<p>Like our other paid plans, this option gives you <strong>full access to the ActionVFX library</strong>, allowing you to scale your subscription based on your team’s project demands. With this plan, you can also download <strong>Pro Practice Footage</strong> and <strong>Essentials Catalog</strong> assets without using credits.</p>
<p>The Startup Plan supports up to five users, making it ideal for small teams.</p>
<p>Choose from flexible monthly plans with 5, 10, or 20 credits, starting at <strong>$229</strong>.</p>
<p>Annual plans provide 60 or more credits per year at a discount (starting <strong>$199 per month</strong>) and you get the added benefit of receiving all of your credits upfront.</p>
<p>If you need more credits, you can purchase additional credits as needed.</p>
<h2><strong>Enterprise Plans</strong></h2>
<p>Built for large companies with annual revenues over $3 million, offering full access to the ActionVFX library with unlimited users.</p>
<ul>
<li>Rollover credits and custom credit packs let studios scale based on fluctuating project demands.</li>
<li>The credit-based system provides greater purchasing flexibility.</li>
<li>Enterprise users receive custom licenses and a dedicated account manager.</li>
<li>Discounts on annual plans.</li>
</ul>
<p>To customize an Enterprise Plan, visit our <strong>pricing page.</strong></p>
<h1><strong>What is the ActionVFX Essentials Catalog?</strong></h1>
<p>Under our old subscription model, you had to use credits for all purchases. Now, with the Essentials Catalog, subscribers can download over 3,000 production-quality assets without using credits. This catalog is available to all paid subscribers, including Essentials, Individual, Startup, and Enterprise plans. New assets are added to the Essentials Catalog every month.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1792x606/5b8bc09787/actionvfx-essentials-catalog.jpg" alt=""></p>
<h2>Identifying Essentials Catalog Products</h2>
<p>Here’s how to spot Essentials Catalog products:</p>
<ul>
<li>Look for the <strong>“Essentials”</strong> label (or a branded &quot;E&quot;) on product thumbnails and pages.</li>
<li>Check the product page sidebar for a mention that it’s included in the Essentials Catalog.</li>
</ul>
<h1>Is the ActionVFX Subscription Worth It?</h1>
<p>Why is the new ActionVFX subscription a big deal? <strong>It scales with your changing project needs</strong>, giving you access to the <a href="https://actionvfx.com/testimonials">world's best</a> VFX stock assets as you need them. Plus, it’s the most affordable way to access the ActionVFX library.</p>
<p>Use your credits however you like—no lock-ins, no limits. When work picks up, grab a Credit Pack. When things slow down, scale back and let your credits accumulate for the next burst. You’ll always have access to what you need, when you need it.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1879x657/e6b2a2d3b8/actionvfx-homepage.jpg" alt=""></p>
<h2><strong>ActionVFX Credit Packs</strong></h2>
<p>Credit Packs give you extra flexibility, allowing you to purchase additional credits whenever you need them.</p>
<p>Buy Credit Packs anytime to scale up your projects. These credits roll over for 18 months as long as you're subscribed, ensuring you always have access to what you need.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Individual Credit Packs:</strong> Custom pricing starting at $20/credit for purchases under 10 credits, with discounts for bulk purchases.</li>
<li><strong>Startup Credit Packs:</strong> Custom pricing starting at $65/credit for purchases under 10 credits, with tiered discounts.</li>
<li><strong>Enterprise Plans:</strong> Custom quotes available for large-scale needs.</li>
</ul>
<h1><strong>Purchasing Collections Without a Subscription</strong></h1>
<p>For those who prefer a one-time purchase, ActionVFX collections are also available for direct purchase. This means you can buy entire collections outright, keeping them forever, without a subscription. However, only subscribers can purchase individual clips and download clips from the Essentials Catalog.</p>
<h1><strong>Your Work, Your VFX Assets, Your Way</strong></h1>
<p>We’re excited to see how our credit plans empower freelancers and studios to save money on the world's best VFX assets. Whether you’re a solo creator or part of a AAA studio, we’ve got a plan for you!</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f9ntpwS6zUo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX - Built for Creators, By Creators.</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Get a subscription plan</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Here's what you should know about ActionVFX subscription plans and how they work.

ActionVFX Credit Plans: What You Should Know

Here's what you should know about the ActionVFX subscription and how it works.

<p>VFX artists have told us that ActionVFX helps bring them home to see their families. But recently, we had the opportunity to help make dreams come true. <strong><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3951039/">Chris Lofing, a talented filmmaker</a></strong> and a friend of ActionVFX, recently got engaged! But this wasn’t any ordinary proposal.</p>
<p>You might remember Chris and his team at <strong><a href="https://tremendum.com/">Tremendum Pictures</a></strong> from last year when we featured his impressive VFX reel:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bXcvNw8Jc2U" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>This time, Chris is back with something even more special. In true Chris Lofing style, he set the stage for his surprise proposal with this recreation of a scene from The Flash. Chris told us that <strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products">ActionVFX assets</a></strong> “came in clutch because I only had about three days to shoot, edit and do the VFX for this entire thing without her knowing.”</p>
<p>We’re proud to have played a very small part in making their dreams become reality. Congratulations, Chris and Andrea!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1duSd2Xw77E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>First time hearing of ActionVFX? Put simply, we make VFX artists’ lives easier with the world’s largest library of production-quality VFX assets. Seen any blockbuster movies in the past few years? Then you’ve probably seen our assets!</p>
<p>If you are a VFX artist, feel free to <strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">explore our library</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">become a subscriber</a></strong> today!</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrislofing/">Follow Chris Lofing on Instagram</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Filmmaker Chris Lofing created this VFX scene from The Flash using ActionVFX assets... and the rest is history.

Filmmaker Chris Lofing Uses ActionVFX in Heartwarming Proposal

<p>ProductionCrate is one of the most well-known stock assets platforms in the industry, offering a wide variety of assets ranging from 2D animation, sound effects, and complex visual effects. It provides high-quality effects through four specialized websites (FootageCrate, SoundsCrate, GraphicsCrate, and RenderCrate), but it does have some drawbacks, namely:</p>
<ul>
<li>The VFX assets users download are not always ready to use and often need to be adapted for projects.</li>
<li>With a Pro or Enterprise subscription, the ProductionCrate licensing agreement limits access to downloaded assets to a maximum of five team members.</li>
<li>All subscriptions cover all four of ProductionCrate's platforms, regardless of what you plan to actually use. If you are exclusively looking for VFX assets, it's not possible to subscribe to just one of them, so you pay for access to sound assets, plugins, graphics, transitions, 3D models, and more features that video editors might never use.</li>
</ul>
<p>With this in mind, in this article, we'll discuss six ProductionCrate alternatives that may be better suited to different types of users with diverse requirements, starting with our own stock VFX platform, ActionVFX.</p>
<p><strong>Here's a list of the top 6 ProductionCrate.com competitors we go into, at a glance:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>ActionVFX</li>
<li>VideoHive</li>
<li>Video Copilot</li>
<li>FX Elements</li>
<li>Visual FX Pro</li>
<li>RocketStock</li>
</ol>
<p>For the largest and highest-quality source of VFX assets for compositors, <strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">visit the ActionVFX library</a></strong>.</p>
<h2>Alternative #1: ActionVFX: Best Library for Production-Quality VFX Assets</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1879x657/e6b2a2d3b8/actionvfx-homepage.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>ActionVFX boasts a highly-skilled <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/about-us">production team</a> of VFX specialists that produce first-rate, high-definition visual effects (VFX) suitable for motion pictures, TV shows, and other media.</p>
<p>Our expansive VFX catalog consists of 12,000+ VFX elements available in intricate detail, all boasting an incredible level of realism, which makes them very easy to employ. Our professional visual effects are used by everyone, from <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/godzilla-minus-one-vfx-oscar-on-a-budget">Hollywood industry professionals</a> to individual <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/how-actionvfx-elements-help-the-vfx-for-motion-course-prepare-you-for-the-industry">VFX students</a>.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog?category=customer-projects">See examples of projects artists have used our assets for.</a></strong></p>
<h3>Thousands of VFX assets compatible with the most popular software</h3>
<p>Our VFX assets are provided as raw footage—unlike most other stock effects on the market. They are instantly ready to use upon download, allowing you to delve into the underlying structures and layers of each element. You can make any modifications or alterations if required, and you'll understand exactly how we constructed each shot.</p>
<p>Some of the VFX assets you can expect to find in our library include:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/blood-gore/category">Action &amp; horror VFX</a> (slime, blood &amp; gore, explosions…)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/people-crowds/category">People &amp; crowds</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/fire/category">Fire/Pyrotechnics</a> (lens flares, magic fire, flamethrowers, forest fires…)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/explosions/category">Explosions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/gun-fx/category">Gun FX</a> (bullet shells, muzzle flashes, bullet hole textures…)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/particles/category">Sparks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/animals/category">Animals</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/energy-fx/category">Energy FX</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/smoke/category">Smoke &amp; fog</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/textures/category">Textures</a></li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1321x778/fb077f7559/vfx-stock-footage.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Alternatively, you can use our stock footage as a foundation for creating your own visual effects, streamlining the overall process. For instance, you can incorporate the element as the base and add your own components and effects to create something truly unique.</p>
<p>It's easy to obtain the VFX assets you need with our downloads, designed to be compatible with a range of professional video editing programs:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.foundry.com/products/nuke-family/nuke">The Foundry's Nuke</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects.html">Adobe After Effects</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html">Adobe Premiere Pro</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fxhome.com/?utm_source=59282342dda2882fb663d9e3&amp;utm_medium=affiliate">HitFilm</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/">Apple Final Cut Pro</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Apple Final Cut Pro Motion</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.avid.com/media-composer">AVID Media Composer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-pro/">Vegas Pro 15</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/fusion/">Blackmagic Design: Fusion</a></li>
</ul>
<p>To maximize the benefits of your VFX assets, we also offer a range of <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog?category=tutorials">tutorials and how-to guides</a> to help you learn.</p>
<h3>Access Thousands of Assets with an ActionVFX Subscription</h3>
<p>The ActionVFX subscription is one of the most affordable ways to access high-quality VFX assets. It allows both studios and individuals to <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/the-future-of-actionvfx">save and spend credits</a> on assets as needed, with most assets costing as little as $9.90 each for Individuals. Subscribers also get complimentary access to the Essentials Catalog--a library of 1570+ elements that subscribers can download for free.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Access 12,000 VFX Assets</a></strong></p>
<h3>World-Class Customer Support</h3>
<p>Our customer service is renowned for its excellence, and our customers typically express great satisfaction with the support they receive, as evidenced by our average net promoter score (NPS) of over 80.</p>
<h2>Alternative #2: VideoHive: Best for Occasional Video Projects</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/973x408/50f068809f/videohive.png" alt=""></p>
<p><a href="https://videohive.net/">VideoHive</a> is a part of <a href="https://elements.envato.com/">Envato Market</a>. Instead of being a standard stock visual effects library, it functions more like a marketplace where users can buy and sell royalty-free video footage, motion graphics, overlays, and After Effects project files. The cost of each element depends on its complexity and quality, as well as its intended use. The price of each element includes a buyer's fee in addition to the amount charged by the user who uploaded it to VideoHive.</p>
<h3>Possible Benefits of VideoHive</h3>
<p>Each element can have a one-time fee of just a few dollars, making VideoHive a very affordable option for filmmakers on a tight budget. Monthly pricing starts at $14.50 per month with limited downloads, but since it doesn't require a subscription, it can help keep costs to a minimum. VideoHive is best suited for filmmakers and others who don't have ongoing VFX needs.</p>
<h3>Potential Drawbacks of VideoHive</h3>
<p>Since users both upload and download VFX assets on VideoHive, some customers note that the quality of the assets offered on the platform can vary significantly and depend on the skills of each creator who contributes assets to the marketplace.</p>
<h2>Alternative #3: Video Copilot - Best for VFX for Use in Adobe After Effects</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1600x833/7dc3514920/video-copilot-vfx.jpg" alt="Video Copilot Action Essentials 2 VFX"></p>
<p>While <a href="https://www.videocopilot.net/">Video Copilot</a> is utilized for creating VFX assets, such as special effects, 3D models, and motion graphics, it is not solely a VFX stock footage company. However, it does provide some VFX components as a foundation for constructing more intricate effects when using video editing and compositing software.</p>
<h3>Possible Benefits of Video Copilot</h3>
<p>Video Copilot's VFX assets are designed to work with Adobe After Effects, and those proficient in the software will find its animation plugins particularly beneficial. Users can create a variety of effects, such as explosions, fire, and smoke.</p>
<h3>Potential Drawbacks of Video Copilot</h3>
<p>If you utilize different video editing or compositing software, Video Copilot's effects may not be compatible with your setup. Video Copilot's products can be expensive, particularly if you need multiple plugins or assets.</p>
<p>As a result, it's essential to take your budget into account if you plan to use their software for creating VFX from scratch and accessing stock effects.</p>
<h2>Alternative #4: FX Elements - Best for Buying Individual VFX Clips</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1849x669/298594e8ab/fx-elements-stock-footage.png" alt=""></p>
<p><a href="https://www.fxelements.com/">FX Elements</a> provides high-quality visual and special effects, including explosions, real fire &amp; rain, debris, light leaks, nuclear blasts, zombies, bokeh, and more. Additionally, there's a range of practical compositing assets available - such as green screen backgrounds and matte paintings - to help blend visuals seamlessly.</p>
<h3>Possible Benefits of FX Elements</h3>
<p>FX Elements enables website visitors to purchase single VFX clips at very reasonable prices. Many competitors require users to subscribe or buy bundles of effects at a higher cost. This makes FX Elements particularly useful if you don't have an ongoing need for effects and simply want to buy individual clips.</p>
<h3>Potential Drawbacks of FX Elements</h3>
<p>While FX Elements features numerous categories of VFX effects in its library, the number of options within each category is relatively limited compared to ActionVFX's library, for instance. Moreover, FX Elements' daily download limits and additional costs for other file types make it a good fit for low-budget creators, but can cause difficulties if you need flexibility.</p>
<p>For a full comparison of ActionVFX and FX Elements, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/fx-elements-vs-actionvfx-alternatives-to-actionvfx">check out this article</a>.</p>
<h2>Alternative #5: Visual FX Pro - Best for Free VFX bundles</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1600x659/308fff8b73/visual-fx-pro.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Established in 2020 by a former visual effects freelancer, <a href="https://visualfxpro.com/">Visual FX Pro</a> is a new competitor in the VFX market, specializing in delivering high-quality visual effects at reasonable rates.</p>
<h3>Possible Benefits of Visual FX Pro</h3>
<p>The top benefit of Visual FX Pro is its array of free effects bundles. If you aren't seeking a wide variety of effects, this option is both affordable and easy to access.</p>
<h3>Potential Drawbacks of Visual FX Pro</h3>
<p>The primary drawback of Visual FX Pro is that it's still in the early stages of building its library of effects. While the original effects uploaded by the founders are high-quality, the offering of stock video footage and visual effects remains relatively small.</p>
<h2>Alternative #6: RocketStock - Best for No Subscription Access</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/973x439/5960607c21/rocketstock-vfx.png" alt=""></p>
<p><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/video/elements">RocketStock</a> is part of the Shutterstock group, a pioneer in the stock photography industry. It offers a broad range of pro templates for creating visual effects in Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects, in addition to free stock video footage and professional graphics.</p>
<h3>Possible Benefits of RocketStock</h3>
<p>RocketStock's effects are reported to be easy to customize, and the platform offers an abundance of free resources, as it releases free sound effects, video effects, and templates every month.</p>
<h3>Potential Drawbacks of RocketStock</h3>
<p>RocketStock does not offer a subscription option. It sells its assets individually or in packs. Although each pack comes with dozens of templates and effects (some even include 150 snow and blizzard effects, for example), you might not utilize all of them, but you still have to pay between $39 and $300+ for each bundle you purchase.</p>
<h2>ActionVFX: The Best ProductionCrate Alternative for VFX Artists and Studios</h2>
<p>ActionVFX is widely considered the industry-standard creator of VFX assets. We are an original provider of production-quality effects, exclusively produced by highly-qualified and vetted VFX artists.</p>
<p>As a VFX artist seeking production-quality VFX assets, your search ends at <a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">ActionVFX</a>. And with our new credit plans, access to our library has never been better.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">View ActionVFX Pricing Plans</a></strong></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3HrxAAcB2dM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>ActionVFX is committed to the quality of our assets, and we want you to see it for yourself. We invite you to check out our impressive collection of <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/free-vfx/category">free VFX assets</a>! Keep an eye on our <a href="https://actionvfx.featurebase.app/roadmap">product roadmap</a> for upcoming updates to our <a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">VFX library</a>, and stay connected by following us on social media for the latest news, giveaways, and events.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">Explore the ActionVFX Library</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Expand your VFX resources with these 6 ProductionCrate alternatives.

6 Best ProductionCrate Alternatives

<p>In this episode of Ask An Artist, we're talking with the founder of Cinecom Jordy Vandeput on ways to stay on the cutting edge, how to market yourself, a sneak peek into Cinecom's exciting future plans, and more.</p>
<h2><strong>Ask An Artist: Ep 007 - &quot;How Do You Stay On The Cutting Edge?&quot; with Jordy Vandeput</strong></h2>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fPPIOMYey-A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Find us anywhere you listen to podcasts:</strong>
<strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mGjNGx1W1XvEXzP8IPPzi?si=b091b66fb6f74b46&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=4f21c869e264498f">Spotify</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-maintain-passion-with-sam-gorski/id1575781618?i=1000551530160">Apple Podcasts</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MheIpnI3kac">YouTube</a></strong></p>
<h3><strong>Episode 007 Show Notes</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Cinecom’s goal - 1:06</li>
<li>The primary question for this episode - 2:33</li>
<li>It can be difficult to come up with good ideas - 4:23</li>
<li>You have to market yourself - 8:53</li>
<li>What are his projects for the future - 15:03</li>
<li>Spending time producing a lot of good courses - 18:34</li>
<li>Being passionate about what he does - 19:41</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Follow Jordy Vandeput:</strong>
<a href="https://x.com/jordyvandeput?lang=en">Twitter</a></p>
<p><strong>Follow Cinecom:</strong>
<a href="https://www.cinecom.net/">Cinecom.net</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLfM1_MIcIQ3jweRT19LVw">YouTube</a></p>
<p>Remember to connect with us on our social networks to stay updated on our latest news, giveaways, announcements, and more!</p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


In this episode, we're joined by Jordy Vandeput, founder of Cinecom, to discuss staying on the cutting edge of VFX.

Ask An Artist: Ep 007 - "How Do You Stay On The Cutting Edge?" with Jordy Vandeput

<p>In this episode with Ryan Connolly, we discuss the importance of longevity in creating new content and how to find consistent inspiration over time as a creator. You don't want to miss this!</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qwm8bifj6qY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Find us anywhere you listen to podcasts:</strong>
<strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mGjNGx1W1XvEXzP8IPPzi?si=b091b66fb6f74b46&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=4f21c869e264498f">Spotify</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-maintain-passion-with-sam-gorski/id1575781618?i=1000551530160">Apple Podcasts</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MheIpnI3kac">YouTube</a></strong></p>
<h3><strong>Episode 003 Show Notes</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Thinking long-term - 2:56</li>
<li>Being a filmmaker - 4:44</li>
<li>What was the long-term idea? - 5:44</li>
<li>People coming and supporting - 8:54</li>
<li>Starting freelance at 15 years old - 10:40</li>
<li>What can be stressful - 17:15</li>
<li>Listening to a song over and over again - 25:28</li>
<li>The technical side of things - 27:04</li>
<li>Ryan’s projects in the pipeline - 42:59</li>
<li>Having a Plan B - 44:50</li>
<li>Get in touch with Ryan - 46:29</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Follow Ryan Connolly</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.filmriot.com/connect/ryan-connolly/">Film Riot</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/filmriot">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://x.com/filmriot">Twitter</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/filmriot/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thefilmriot">Instagram</a></p>
<p>Remember to connect with us on our social networks to stay updated on our latest news, giveaways, announcements, and more!</p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


In this episode of Ask An Artist, we're joined by Ryan Connolly of Film Riot to discuss how to find inspiration as a content creator.