TNG Visual Effects-Newsletter-Oct
3D Scanning-Mocap-Facial Perfomance

Oct, 2010 - Vol 1, Issue 10
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TNG Visual Effects is your source for Visual Effects information and services. We have found improved scanning methods to keep costs down and efficiency up. You can scan your characters, props, vehicles, sets, cities, or other large areas to your specifications. Everything is completely mobile and ready to travel to location.

 
 
   
               Lidar Scan

 

      Cars - Trucks - Ships


Heads: Raw to Re-Meshed
 
 
  
 Meshing - Texture - Zbrush

 

Nick Tesi
TNG Visual Effects
13323 Washington Blvd  #304
Los Angeles, CA   90066
Office: 310-717-2937
 


 "What can I say about Nick Tesi except that he always delivers and does a terrific job.

Over the past serveral years, I have had great experiences with Nick Tesi when I hire him to do any type of cyber scanning. 

His 3D digital models are superb and are of very high quality.  I know I can count on Nick to help create digital actors or digital models for any type of show.

I would highly recommend Nick and his team for projects that requires any type of 3D cyber scanning. 

Thanks Nick for your help on "Vamps".    See you on the next big one!"

Susan Zwerman    VFX Producer         
               "VAMPS"
Greetings!
 
Digital Doubles. The future is here!
 
The ultimate technique in 3D character development is the ability to create a model that cannot be distinguished from the real character. This is the Holy Grail, or is it? I have heard from both sides of the argument, but regardless it is here. Some believe it is a not ethical to use cyber-characters as it can take jobs from actors or replace the real character in the development of storytelling.

 Look at the great work of Digital Domain on Benjamin Button. They produced almost 1 hour of digital facial capture interacting with live action. Then the movie AVATAR by Jim Cameron advances the technology again. However, in both instances the cost is more than most productions can absorb in their budgets. Part of the formula of the Holy Grail will be affordability and speed of delivery. This will put the technology in everyone's hands to get the best perfomance out of their characters. We are seeing changes in the market today with new techniques bringing fantastic results..
 
A few companies are advancing on character development as you have seen through the better virtual characters every year. You will not be able to tell whether they are real or 3D generated.
 
Please look at The Digital Double Agency for their technical capability, and at the pure quality of the finished product on our web site: tngvisualeffects.com  
3D Scanning: Luxury or Necessity?
I have been in the 3D Scanning business for over 12 years. In that time, I have spoken with people who are both for and against 3D Scanning.

Time is a major consideration as is budget. If you have a number of people you need in a short period of time then 3D Scanning makes sense, especially if you need to match the real actor. However, if the cost of this endeavor does not justify doing the job then another avenue may be pursued.

3D scanning is not a luxury. In fact, because of the time it would save, and the lower cost, it is a viable solution. You could have a replica of your talent in a few days, keeping you on schedule.

Where can you do this scanning? Just about anywhere now. In the early days, you needed a dark environment to scan a head. Now, you can do this in a lit room and within minutes. You can have the scanner come to you, or you can go to it. 

While scanning heads, you can also scan a number of expressions that can give you blend shapes or just references for your artist to use if facial performance will be used. Texture maps, displacement maps, and normal maps are all available as well.

 
You can also take the scan model as a raw mesh and have your own crew finish it. This saves you the headache of buying your own system and maintaining an operator, or if your crew is busy, the scanning company should be able to accommodate your needs fast and efficiently and at not much more than you would have paid your own staff. As it is your project, you dictate the finished look you need and the number of polygons. This is a service puts you in control as to how you would like the modeled delivered.. As you can see, 3D Scanning is not a luxury at all with the time schedules and demands of our clients, it is an absolute necessity to have this service available.
  Bringing Your Scan to Life 

 
   
 Motion Capture has come a long way in the last 15 years. It used to be hard to find someone with a Motion Capture system that could provide a service that was cost effective and efficient. There were systems from Ascension and Polhemus that were tethered from the performer to the system and used more for cartoon-like characters. The optical systems were rare with most of their use in the game industry or working in other markets altogether. Inertia-based systems were being used in different applications altogether with perhaps the thought of entering into the entertainment world.
 
Now, Motion Capture (MOCAP) is being use more extensively in all aspects of Film, TV, and Games. In the movie Avatar, the most recognition came from James Cameron because he pushed the envelope in technology to get more out of it than ever before. Prior to this, Robert Zemekis used it in Polar Express, Beowulf, and other films. These are just samples of the many films that have used different Mocap techniques.  
 
As Motion Capture grows, it becomes another tool that saves time and money to get your characters moving with realism and grace. Whether you are doing games, TV, or Film the techniques here will help increase efficiency.
 
Presently, Mocap companies are offering more services to get your project done quicker without the hassle of the past.
 
Look for:
 
1. Consulting on your project to make it run smoother with Mocap 
2. Storyboarding your action if needed
3. Talent ready-to-go, a list of talent that can act out your storyboard
4. A Virutal camera for the Director to get the action fast
5. Mocap with the latest in Optical Motion Capture Equipment
5. Post-Visual with clean up and re-targeting
6. Stereoscopic 3D Previsualization
7. Facial Capture and ADR
 
You might even be thinking that you would like to capture in an outside environment, like at a skate park, or that you would like to have your characters run around the outside buildings. There is something for everyone. Take a quick look under Motion Capture at tngvisualeffects.com
In Conclusion 
We at TNG Visual Effects are looking for better ways to serve the entertainment industry through better service and prices. 
 
Thank you for taking the time to review our newsletter. If you have any questions or would like to consider TNG Visual Effects in your next bid, please contact us at:
 
 TNG Visual Effects
PH      310-717-2937