Mar 31 2015
3D Scanning Visual Effects Technology and Services
3D Scanning Visual Effects Technology and Services via http://tngvisualeffects.com
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Mar 23 2015
Inertial Based Mocap Vs Optical Based Mocap
What is motion capture? Motion capture (mocap for short) is when you use technology to capture the intricate motions of an actor or actress for use in film, television or video game.
Traditional hand key animation is a slow and tedious process. You can go through countless iterations over the course of several months to get the right movement. With motion capture you can literally take the keying into your own hands by acting it out yourself, or by having an actor do it. This allows a Director to go through as many takes as they need in a single day of shooting. Depending on the amount of cg characters needed, an entire show could be shot in just a few days. You can also continue working on the data to create the exact animation you want for a character. For a film, using pre-vis with motion capture can help setup shots well in advance saving time in production.
Inertial based motion capture has the possibility to go anywhere, and space is not a deciding factor in where and when you shoot. With Optical based motion capture systems, you are generally limited to a building with optical based cameras already set up. To bring Optical based systems to a set would be time consuming and costly, and requires a lot of prep time. Optical based systems also have pitfalls like occlusion. Occlusion happens when two markers come into close proximity and prevents the camera from seeing both markers. This could happen if you needed to cross your arms while shooting. With inertial based motion capture, there are no cameras and no line of sight issues, and everything can be up and running in 30 minutes. The sensors work like wifi remotes tracking the movement and everything is worn on the body – 17 sensors covering 15 joints. One thing to note, inertial based motion capture systems need to be used in an environment with little to no metal.
Where’s your closest TNG location?
We welcome your feedback! Comment on our blog or visit our Facebook page.
Mar 16 2015
TNG Test: Creating 3D Hair
Maya’s hair system was used to create the long straight hair style. After researching detailed images of what real human hair looks like and falls like, the first step is to create the base layer of hair, demonstrating the way you want it to be. Then it’s really about styling it by editing each curve until you get the result your satisfied with.
The secondary layer is then created in order to get the frizz effect on the top coat – no hair is perfectly smooth and without frizz. By doing this, another hair system is creating by editing its clump curl, noise, and reducing the amount of hair for each clump.
V-Ray hair material and V-Ray rendering was also used to create this render.
Where’s your closest TNG location?
We welcome your feedback! Comment on our blog or visit our Facebook page.
Mar 12 2015
Behind-the-Scenes with TNG Visual Effects
Take a look at some shots from behind-the-scenes with TNG.
Our founder, Nick Tesi is giving the model some direction on stance and poise. It’s important that she stays in the same position throughout the shoot.
In this session, we also shot for facial motion capture. To help the model out, Nick shows her some examples of facial expressions she can use.
Nothing but fun times at TNG!
Where’s your closest TNG location?
We welcome your feedback! Comment on our blog or visit our Facebook page.
Mar 10 2015
Is Mobile 3D Scanning Important?
How mobile is mobile? Some believe being a mobile service means to drive a large truck filled with a lot of equipment. Driving from place to place and taking one or two days to set-up is not our definition of being mobile. It’s more simplistic than that.
Our definition: grab the equipment and head for the door. These days it seems there are a lot of decisions to be made at the last minute. We know it is more about acting instantly to a project than being mobile. If a project is in Maryland, Florida, Texas or Toronto, speed and mobility is of the essence.
Here are some things to think about when choosing a mobile service provider.
- Are they available to come to your set?
- If they need to travel by plane, is their equipment travel size or does the equipment need to be shipped prior to the scanning day? This may require additional charges to the customer.
- If the equipment is travel size, will they need to check their bags or can they bring them on the plane? In our experience, if a bag needs to be checked there is the risk of the bag(s) being delayed depending on the size. This may also be an additional charge to the customer.
- Have they communicated the amount of space they will need to get the job done?
- Are there any special requirements? i.e. does the room/space need to be dark or fully lit?
The best way around all of this is great planning and on-going communication. When the plans change but the time constraints don’t, look for the company that will guarantee their service no matter what comes up.
Where’s your closest TNG location?
We welcome your feedback! Comment on our blog or visit our Facebook page.
