Glossary: Schüfftan Process

This is an animation or early visual effects technique first used in the film Metropolis by Eugen Schüfftan. Mirrors are Set up to allow actors to be filmed in front of painted or photographed backdrops so that two images, back and foreground can be recorded on film as one. The process is very complex and is no longer used. This type of matte effects is now done with the help of Special Effects CGI.