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The Science of Special Effects: Making Movie Magic

Related Article: Learn more about special effects.

When filming a movie, directors use the script as a blueprint for creating the action and special effects scenes.
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Dirty Jobs: The Art of Impatience

Dirty Jobs: The Art of Impatience (0:41)

Mike Rowe becomes impatient while waiting for the final pieces of his zombie costume to come together.

Dirty Jobs: Appliances

Dirty Jobs: Appliances (1:22)

Dirty Job's Mike Rowe continues his transformation into a zombie as special effects artists begin constructing his new face.

Dirty Jobs: Zombie Snot

Dirty Jobs: Zombie Snot (1:25)

Watch as Mike Rowe begins his transformation into a zombie, with the help of special effects artists.

The Science of Special Effects: Making Movie Magic

The Science of Special Effects: Making Movie Magic (8:08)

When filming a movie, directors use the script as a blueprint for creating the action and special effects scenes.

The Science of Special Effects: Endorphin Animation

The Science of Special Effects: Endorphin Animation (4:25)

Created by a mathematician and a biologist, Endorphin animation software simulates the human body, muscles and nervous system. Endorphin software is used for movies and video games but is slightly different than conventional animation.

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Time Warp Clips: Mashup 5

Time Warp Clips: Mashup 5 (0:52)

Watch lollipops, mousetraps and paintballs in slow motion. Enjoy this video from Discovery Channel's "Time Warp."

Time Warp Clips: Mashup 4

Time Warp Clips: Mashup 4 (0:54)

See some explosions and crashes in super slow mo in this video from Discovery Channel's "Time Warp."

Dirty Jobs: Making Zombie Mike

Dirty Jobs: Making Zombie Mike (1:20)

On Discovery Channel's series, "Dirty Jobs," host Mike Rowe visits a special effects artist and is transformed into a zombie using specialized makeup.

Understanding: Fire Retardant Gel and Fabric

Understanding: Fire Retardant Gel and Fabric (2:13)

On TLC's "Understanding," learn how stunt actors keep themselves safe during fire stunts.

Understanding: Fire Stunt Actors

Understanding: Fire Stunt Actors (2:36)

On the Learning Channel's "Understanding," learn how stunt actors use fire in their show.

Dirty Jobs: Molding Teeth

Dirty Jobs: Molding Teeth (2:41)

On Discovery Channel's series, "Dirty Jobs," host Mike Rowe visits a special effects artist and endures the long process of creating a mold of his teeth.

The Science of Special Effects: Behind the Scenes

The Science of Special Effects: Behind the Scenes (20:29)

Motion pictures and television shows increasingly use special effects to amaze and amuse audiences around the world. This program provides behind-the-scenes explanations of how some special effects work.

The Science of Special Effects: Making Movie Magic

The Science of Special Effects: Making Movie Magic (8:08)

When filming a movie, directors use the script as a blueprint for creating the action and special effects scenes.

The Science of Special Effects: Endorphin Animation

The Science of Special Effects: Endorphin Animation (4:25)

Created by a mathematician and a biologist, Endorphin animation software simulates the human body, muscles and nervous system. Endorphin software is used for movies and video games but is slightly different than conventional animation.

The Science of Special Effects: Sound Effects

The Science of Special Effects: Sound Effects (6:39)

Sound engineers create and record sounds for movie sets. Watch this video to discover the science behind sound effects.