Combining practical effects with 3D graphics

While the possibilities that 3D graphics bring to film are endless, I think it's important to recognize that practical effects: prosthetics, makeup, animatronics and practical stunts, still play an important part in the world of special effects. 3D is merely one tool in the entire toolbox of special effects wizardry. In this video, some of the people who worked on the film Hellboy II, directed by Guillermo Del Toro, share how practical and digital elements can be combined to create onscreen creatures that are simultaneously realistic and unreal. Del Toro is one of my favorite directors when it comes to integrating special effects into films, especially creature effects. Hellboy II contains creatures that are both digital, practical, and sometimes both, integrated in novel and largely transparent ways. The fantastic visual style of Hellboy II is unlike anything I have ever seen and is only possible through this unique combination of digital and practical effects.