Virtual cinematography
Encyclopedia
Virtual cinematography is an umbrella term
used to describe cinematographic
techniques performed in a computer graphics environment. This includes a wide variety of subjects like photographing real objects for the purpose of recreating them as three dimensional objects or algorithms for automated creation of camera viewpoints.
with developing techniques to allow for virtual "filming" of realistic computer-generated imagery
. Gaeta, along with Kim Libreri and his crew at ESC Entertainment succeeded, where many others failed, in creating photo-realistic CGI versions of performers, sets, and action.
". Virtual cinematography is the creation process. Virtual effects are stylistic modifications being applied within this format. Virtual cinema is the result.
The art of "photographing" any computer-generated imagery content is becoming generally referred to as virtual cinematography. In both cases the term serves to umbrella a capture process of three dimensionally filming events, be they synthetic, real or hyper real. This term is technology agnostic and will not be dated by the means taken in any given application.
The advent of virtual worlds has given a new push to this concept since they allow the creation of real-time animation by using camera moves and avatar control techniques that are not possible by using traditional film-making methods Machinima Island
.
Umbrella term
An umbrella term is a word that provides a superset or grouping of concepts that all fall under a single common category. Umbrella term is also called a hypernym. For example, cryptology is an umbrella term that encompasses cryptography and cryptanalysis, among other fields...
used to describe cinematographic
Cinematography
Cinematography is the making of lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for cinema. It is closely related to the art of still photography...
techniques performed in a computer graphics environment. This includes a wide variety of subjects like photographing real objects for the purpose of recreating them as three dimensional objects or algorithms for automated creation of camera viewpoints.
History
The term "virtual cinematography" came into the widespread usage following the release of the The Matrix films. The directors, Andy & Larry Wachowski, tasked visual effects supervisor John GaetaJohn Gaeta
John Gaeta is an academy award winning visual effects designer best known for his work on the Matrix film trilogy and Speed Racer, where he explored and advanced the effects methods known as "Bullet Time", "Virtual Cinematography", and "Photo Anime".-Career:John C. Gaeta's career began in New York...
with developing techniques to allow for virtual "filming" of realistic computer-generated imagery
Computer-generated imagery
Computer-generated imagery is the application of the field of computer graphics or, more specifically, 3D computer graphics to special effects in art, video games, films, television programs, commercials, simulators and simulation generally, and printed media...
. Gaeta, along with Kim Libreri and his crew at ESC Entertainment succeeded, where many others failed, in creating photo-realistic CGI versions of performers, sets, and action.
Methods
Once the virtual content has been assembled into a scene within a 3D engine, it can then be creatively composed and re-photographed from other angles by a virtual camera as if the action was happening for the first time, hence the term "virtual cinematography". Modification, re-direction and enhancements to the scene are possible as well. The rendered result can appear highly realistic, or rather, "photo-realisticPhotorealism
Photorealism is the genre of painting based on using the camera and photographs to gather information and then from this information creating a painting that appears photographic...
". Virtual cinematography is the creation process. Virtual effects are stylistic modifications being applied within this format. Virtual cinema is the result.
The art of "photographing" any computer-generated imagery content is becoming generally referred to as virtual cinematography. In both cases the term serves to umbrella a capture process of three dimensionally filming events, be they synthetic, real or hyper real. This term is technology agnostic and will not be dated by the means taken in any given application.
The advent of virtual worlds has given a new push to this concept since they allow the creation of real-time animation by using camera moves and avatar control techniques that are not possible by using traditional film-making methods Machinima Island
Machinima Island
Machinima Island was a experimental project created by Inter-Activa which mixed social networks, virtual worlds and Machinima. The project was conceptualised in 2004 and completed 2006...
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