![SMOKE IT UP](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387538215/1577110957/articles/e-gpdTDq1578577811016/SMOKE-IT-UP.jpg)
Epic battle shots always need E atmosphere. Be it clumps of dust kicked up from the feet of enemy soldiers, plumes of smoke from crashed starships, misty elements dressed in to silhouette the shape of mountains or general battleground haze, the right amount of atmosphere brings life to a shot.
At Weta Digital, the compositing department traditionally dresses shots with smoke, dust, fire and other elements. If specific interaction is required between elements, the FX department simulates the unique events for rendering by the lighting department. However, with fluid simulation tools like Eddy being integrated into Nuke, some of these more straightforward interaction tasks are now handled by comp, allowing more time for FX artists to work on hero simulations.
Having a varied library of 2D elements is an essential tool for adding scale and detail to shots, which used to be quite an investment. Many elements that were shot for The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and King Kong are still in use by the comp team to this day.
Fortunately, there’s excellent stock footage available online for purchasing (actionvfx.com and fxelements.com are great resources for building a library). And with high-spec cameras in your pocket, it’s easy to create your own bespoke elements.
This story is from the February 2020 edition of 3D World UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2020 edition of 3D World UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![RenderMan 26](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/8LoqOpCjl1720097237563/RENDERMAN-26.jpg)
RenderMan 26
Knowing that the journey for Pixar’s RenderMan software began 37 years ago feels mind-boggling – but it’s still at the top of its game.
![Visualising Einstein's past for Netflix](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/L-iBmgLTS1720096877039/VISUALISING-EINSTEINS-PAST-FOR-NETFLIX.jpg)
Visualising Einstein's past for Netflix
Lux Aeterna honed its expertise in CG to bring the famous physicist's memories back to life for Einstein and the Bomb
![BRANCHING OUT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/KB5fDmJFj1720096273247/BRANCHING-OUT.jpg)
BRANCHING OUT
Whiskytree founder and CEO Jonathan Harb lifts the lid on the studio's story and its phenomenal success in turbulent times
![CAN I CREATE SMOKE OR FOG EFFECTS ON A MOBILE DEVICE?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/kS3Smfu9V1720095890867/CAN-I-CREATE-SMOKE-OR-FOG-EFFECTS-ON-A-MOBILE-DEVICE.jpg)
CAN I CREATE SMOKE OR FOG EFFECTS ON A MOBILE DEVICE?
Liquids, fur, hair, steam, smoke, fog, fire, magical effects and so much more are all daily requirements in most 3D packages, but are almost always created with a particle system of some type.
![Fusion Studio 19](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/41HbVZhU91720095432993/FUSION-STUDIO-19.jpg)
Fusion Studio 19
Now in its 10th year under the wings of Blackmagic Design, Fusion Studio is stronger than ever.
![DaVinci Resolve 19](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/opZA0I4Vg1720095245939/DAVINCI-RESOLVE-19.jpg)
DaVinci Resolve 19
There are more choices on the market than ever when it comes to picking your favourite video editing software.
![Tribute to a sensei](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/jkMf0OoOB1720094752969/TRIBUTE-TO-A-SENSEI.jpg)
Tribute to a sensei
The team at French visual development and game studio Umeshu Lovers walk us through creating their Akira Toriyama-inspired April Fools' demo
![DEVELOP ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE WITH LIGHTNING EFFECTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/KW7z42O651720094126560/DEVELOP-ELECTRIC-ATMOSPHERE-WITH-LIGHTNING-EFFECTS.jpg)
DEVELOP ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE WITH LIGHTNING EFFECTS
Rob Redman delivers a bolt of brilliance with a quick guide to giving your scenes a high-voltage feeling
![BUILD A SELL-OUT STADIUM CROWD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/SWdS5zfdd1720093455624/BUILD-A-SELLOUT-STADIUM-CROWD.jpg)
BUILD A SELL-OUT STADIUM CROWD
Mario Leone takes to the stage with a step-by-step guide to creating an arena full of cheering people in Houdini
![DESIGN AND RENDER A SPELLBINDING CHARACTER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5274/1736097/SEandkhVQ1720092944247/DESIGN-AND-RENDER-A-SPELLBINDING-CHARACTER.jpg)
DESIGN AND RENDER A SPELLBINDING CHARACTER
Ivan Mironenko shares his process for creating a captivating figure in a bewitching scene