Visual effects (VFX) are a type of digital image manipulation used to create or enhance the illusion of visual phenomena in 3D animations, film, television, video games and other forms of media. They are an important aspect of modern filmmaking and are essential for the production of high-quality 3D animations. VFX are used to add or enhance visual elements that are difficult or impossible to capture on camera, or that would otherwise have to be created from scratch for 3D animations. Examples are explosions, fantastical creatures, moving streams of water or futuristic environments. VFX can also be used to remove unwanted elements from footage, such as wires or other equipment that are visible in a shot.