Breaking Down the Complexity, One Layer at a Time
When people think about 3D Compositing, the first adjective that comes to mind is… complicated. Very complicated. As the thought of having to do 3D compositing brings concerns of having to combine computer-generated assets, with live video footage, complex lighting designs, synchronized real-time animation, and accurate camera adjustments.
To the everyday video editor or special effects artist, all this can seem a bit daunting, when in reality it is all but the opposite thanks to a streamlined suite of amazing software tools.
Behold the Magic of Real-time
Traditionally when thinking about complex scenes we try to logically analyze the different assets and layers that need to be, not just created, but also synched together in order to create a believable viewer experience. This complexity might seem boggling at first, simply because we might not be aware that there are real-time software engines that allow you to experiment on the go. Bringing with them the flexibility that other 2D based compositing applications may not offer. But thankfully, the ardent task of 3D compositing has finally been demystified thanks to the creativity and efforts of Adolf Navarro, who is the Owner/Director of Antareus Ltd productions near Barcelona.
How was it done?
Adolf created a tutorial where he wanted to show the possibilities of iClone 6 when creating a sci-fi set mixing 3D props and billboards with video textures. He also employed popVideo 3 software which allowed him to mask HD video footage filmed using green screen backgrounds, creating a keyed high definition video format than can be used as textures on iClone 3D props. This allows users to easily mix real footage in virtual sets, without further compositing operations.
In addition, all of the scenes Adolf created contain adjusted lighting with a travelling camera, which creates an automatic parallax effect created in the final render as the billboards that are placed on the set can actually adjust to the perspective of the camera.
So behold the easiest way to 3D compositing a futuristic sci-fi city.
