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 >