It would be rare these days to find a film that did not in some way depend on the magic of special and visual effects – from the raging computer-generated dinosaurs in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, to the fantasical worlds of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, and the photoreal tiger and ocean in Ang Lee’s Life of Pi. Through interviews with 16 of the leading FX pioneers from around the world, author Ian Failes explores the making of some of the most memorable film sequences ever produced, showcasing the shift from practical to digital magic with original behind-the-scenes imagery, shot breakdowns, and detailed explanations of some of the secrets behind the making of cinema’s most extraordinary creations.