Almost all TV shows and movies use computer graphics (CG) these days, but a show with fully digital characters takes it to another level. Seth MacFarlane’s “Ted” is one such show, and his production company Fuzzy Door has developed a new tool to enhance the filming process. This tool, called Viewscreen, turns the potentially messy process of working with CG characters and environments into an opportunity for collaboration and improvisation on set.
Viewscreen is an on-set augmented reality tool that allows for real-time interaction with CG assets through the camera. This has dramatically improved the creative process, making it easier to get the necessary shots faster, according to MacFarlane. Typically, the process of filming with CG assets occurs after the camera is turned off, and it involves using stand-ins like tennis balls and motion capture performers. The footage is then sent to a VFX person for adjustments, which can be a repetitive and traditional process, leaving little room for spontaneity.
Viewscreen Studio is a wireless system that can sync between multiple cameras and integrate various data streams simultaneously. This system creates a middle ground between pre and post-production, allowing for live compositing and positioning of CG assets in the viewfinder and on a monitor. It also allows for live adjustments, such as changing waypoints and lighting, and creating different shots and scenarios naturally.
This new tool enables directors and camera operators to see and interact with invisible CG elements in real time, allowing for more creative freedom and spontaneity. It has already been successfully used in the production of “Ted” to enhance over 3,000 shots in the film.
Fuzzy Door has made Viewscreen available today and is already working with several studios and productions. The company offers four specific modules, including a tracker, compositor, exporter, and motion, to assist in the filming process. This tool has the potential to revolutionize the way CG elements are integrated into live-action productions.
Source: techcrunch.com
