Camera Tracked 3D Animations
Introduction
One of the biggest advancements in 3D animation is camera tracking.
Put simply, it is the process of combining real video footage
with 3D animation. The finished result is amazing as the subtle
irregularities of reality are picked up perfectly in 3D. A well
prepared scene will have 3D additions that aren't noticeable
at all.
This kind of special effect used to be restricted to big-budget
Hollywood, but now most companies can have access to it.
Shooting the video footage
At Archiform 3D we now use helicopters and High-Definition video
cameras the most. Aerial footage is the best way to portray large,
unique projects and helicopters give us the flexibility we need
to get almost any kind of shot.
Advancements in camera technology also means that the typical
gyro-stabilized camera mounts are not necessary as the image
stabilization in the camera and the work we can do in post gets
a shot that is rock steady. Large budget movies can afford to
have expensive stabilization pods and even better cameras, but
made for TV, corporate or real estate budgets cant stretch that
far. Archiform 3D has always been a specialist in getting maximum
value for money, so hand held, in harness shots are 90% of our
work.
High-definition video cameras also give us an incredibly clear,
sharp image with the resolution we need to accurately process
the footage. And to make the process even faster, these cameras
interface either directly or via a tape deck to our work stations.
While Archiform 3D's rates are fixed we do not include the helicopter
costs, so you need to budget them. Helicopters cant be the least
expensive ones either - they should preferable be large jet turbine
models that don't bounce around and have the power to carry out
the maneuvers that we need to get the best shots. For an hour
of time in the air your should allow between $800 and $1200.
Part 1 of 3
Next Tracking the video,
Adding the 3D animation >
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