Using Digital Assets
Replication – Cash In
Sets, vehicles, rooms, interiors, props and buildings can all be digitally created for the making of a game, TV episode or film. If it is obvious you’ve got a franchise in the making, invest in the power of a digital asset and the payout it can bring you. 3D scanning can give you assets to be used in your project over and over. Resolution can be increased for films and decreased for games. Even with additional adjustments each asset will be well worth having, especially if you can use it more than once.
Modeling buildings with ornate facades can be time consuming projects. Replicating the interior of that building can also be time consuming. Save time by choosing 3D scanning. When comparing costs vs. benefits producers found the benefit of having accurate assets with a faster turnaround was a mark of distinction for 3D scans. Choosing to use a specialist in 3D scanning can enable you to put more detail and further strategy into your production.
Vehicles are a hot item on the list of objects to create digitally using 3D scans. Is it worth the cost to destroy them in a chase or lose them off the side of a cliff? Remember to factor in thecost of stunt drivers, insurance, wreckage removal and permits. Using 3D scanning in this situation could make the project successful. Be sure your VFX production facility or game developer will use the 3D model fluidly in the scene.
The ability to create many types of digital assets by way of 3D scans is here and ready to be used in your project. Put them in from the start (in previs) and get your trailers ready. It’s time to get the most out of your digital assets. If your project is going into several entertainment genres, use your digital assets to serve you time and time, again. Now let’s go capture some data.
- Don’t wreck it, scan it!
VFX Producers Challenge
The Cost of Creating Character
You chose visual effects because you know you can create anything, as long as it’s in your budget. Need photorealistic 3D models? Adding in mocap or necessary services needed to make your project come alive may make your budget seem bleaker than you originally thought.
Let’s say you’ve got 10 characters that need to be 3D scanned. You want these in high enough detail so you can start using them for tests, trailers, etc. It already feels like it is going break your budget. We’ve got some suggestions to help you get the data you need.
Partner Up - Best case scenario. You’re developing the game while the film is in production. From concept, to post, these projects will maintain fluid replication and you’ve got someone to split the costs with.
Quantity Discount - You remember this one, right? The more you spend, the more you save.
Data Storage - Not sure exactly what you want in digital? If your production has potential for any possible scene changes just have your 3D scanning service provider scan anything you might possibly need as a cg model. Order the data when you need it.
Head Scans - The 3D scanning service provider that specializes in photorealistic heads can give you a good, clean model, quickly. Then, you can take the fraction you’ve saved and use other specialists to finish the work.
Raw Scans - This is an option as long as the VFX facility you choose to do clean up and textures has a pipeline compatible with scanned models. Are their costs any less than your 3D scanning service provider?
If none of the options above are beneficial to your project, talk to your 3D scanning service provider to determine how they can customize your order to help you. There could be other bargaining chips out there that you haven’t considered. Get the conversation started and figure out how you will get the best with your budget. Great characters are worth it.
VFX Producers Challenge: The Cost of Creating Character
You chose visual effects because you know you can create anything, as long as it’s in your budget. Need photorealistic 3D models? Adding in mocap or necessary services needed to make your project come alive may make your budget seem bleaker than you originally thought.
Let’s say you’ve got 10 characters that need to be 3D scanned. You want these in high enough detail so you can start using them for tests, trailers, etc. It already feels like it is going break your budget. We’ve got some suggestions to help you get the data you need.
Partner Up Best case scenario. You’re developing the game while the film is in production. From concept, to post, these projects will maintain fluid replication and you’ve got someone to split the costs with.
Quantity Discount You remember this one, right? The more you spend, the more you save.
Data Storage Not sure exactly what you want in digital? If your production has potential for any possible scene changes just have your 3D scanning service provider scan anything you might possibly need as a cg model. Order the data when you need it.
Head Scans The 3D scanning service provider that specializes in photorealistic heads can give you a good, clean model, quickly. Then, you can take the fraction you’ve saved and use other specialists to finish the work.
Raw Scans This is an option as long as the VFX facility you choose to do clean up and textures has a pipeline compatible with scanned models. Are their costs any less than your 3D scanning service provider?
If none of the options above are beneficial to your project, talk to your 3D scanning service provider to determine how they can customize your order to help you. There could be other bargaining chips out there that you haven’t considered. Get the conversation started and figure out how you will get the best with your budget. Great characters are worth it.
Artisans Create 3D
- Alex Valdes
Artist | Modeler | Sculptor | Textures
The digital artist is a specialist who provides a critical element to the process of turning creative thought into reality. TNG fuses the various elements of technology, artistry and community to meet our customers needs for accurate 3D models.
We are pleased to have Alex Valdes on our team. Alex is a talented artist and a specialist among precision photorealistic 3D modelers. His specialties are not limited to his speed, savvy eye for detail, and impressive ability to remain true to the original form of his models. Alex’s abilities as a digital artist include modeling, sculpting, and painting. His artistic range also extends from clay, to oil paint and canvas, to paper and pencil.
Using 3D Scanning as Insurance
How to Insure your 3D Characters, Props, Car and Set Scans
Whether you’re preparing to shoot a film, commercial or game cinematics, there are many things to consider when creating your project’s budget.
- Should I use 3D scanning, modeling, or just use creativity in some way with live action?
- What is my fallback position should an obvious need for improvements arise that may require additional 3D scans in ‘post’?
- Am I seeing everything we may need for this to be a successful production?
- What if we lose one of our principle actors? How can we finish the project?
- What if we need to call the talent back after shooting and they are unavailable?
TNG Visual Effects has you covered! With our insurance scanning we will capture all of your principle talent and/or other props, and store them in an archive until you request them. We do this while we are already on site to scan for your project. We will typically ask if you think having a scan of someone or something else in the project might be helpful. This concept can save you time and money. Who amongst us isn’t looking to accomplish those savings in one fell swoop? Let’s start the New Year with new concepts and work together as if it were our last, just in case those gloomy apocalyptic prophecies hold true.
We’ve Got the Power!
TNG acquired additional equipment to continue meeting your project needs. Here are some of the applications available with our Faro system.
Vehicle and Large Object Scanning - Entire vehicles and objects such as statues can be digitized for placement into virtual environments, allowing them to be blown up/crushed/altered in ways not physically or practically possible in the real world.
Set Capture - Capturing a set in high detail in 3D allows virtual placement of objects and characters at any point in time even after the set has been torn down. Lighting and other after-effects can also be applied as a part of a post-process if the entire geometry of the set has been captured in 3D.
Set Extension - Long range laser scanners give you the ability to capture entire city blocks in their exact condition and then use that data to build a virtual set extension. For example you could (if permitted) scan the White House and then bring it into a virtual environment where a skyscraper is sitting next to it and towering over it.
Camera Tracking - Scanning the set immediately after each shot allows the locations of the camera, lights, and objects to be known such that lighting and other after-effects can be applied in reference to the camera position.
You can find more information by visiting our webpage dedicated to Faro technology.
Happy Holidays 2011
Team TNG Visual Effects
TNG Visual Effects – Summary
TNG Visual Effects is a 3D scanning company in the entertainment industry that specializes in the creation of photorealistic digital assets. Many characters, vehicles, cars, sets, props, animals, sculptures and other items have been added to TNG’s scope of work since the company’s inception in 2009. They have worked on commercials, TV shows, and films such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2; GI Joe 2: Retaliation; Vamps; Knight & Day; Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D and Underworld: Awakening, to name a few.
The TNG team knows how to work with producers, directors, coordinators, A-list talent and other agencies, making the most of their precious time and ensuring a successful project. TNG’s work is always guaranteed.
The TNG scan team is also highly noted for their ability to travel “at the drop of a hat” for a project. Exclusive use of highly mobile scanning systems allow for TNG to perform scans in practically any location.
Learn more about TNG Visual Effects by visiting our website, calling to discuss your projects, or through social media online.
Call: Nick Tesi 877.879.2040
Visit: http://tngvisualeffects.com
Twitter: @TNG_VFX
Facebook: TNG Visual Effects
Blog: tngvisualeffects.wordpress.com
The Evolution of Character
The Evolution of Character
Characters in media (movies, commercials, TV and games) that require digital doubles via 3D scanning, need to be captured accurately to retain all unique qualities of the talent. For example, the actor/actress may have distinct facial characteristics such as scars, eye color, nose shape, and eyebrows. The level of detail you will need is determined by the proximity of the camera to the digital double.
From real life to digital model.
3D scanning technology allows us to provide your production with realistic replication. This applies to heads, bodies, wardrobes, environments, props, and whatever else you may need to replicate. A full body and head scan along with blend shapes, facial performance, and mocap is a grand way to bring your digital doubles to life. Throw in some cloth simulation software, dynamic hair, and voiceover to increase the amount of realism your digital doubles can bring to the screen.
Films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Benjamin Button, and Avatar have shown us that innovation is not dead. As your 3D scanning service provider, we seek opportunities that will improve your production through our valuable service.
The November 2011 edition of our newsletter serves as an introduction to the newest products and services we offer. Allow us to help you grow your toolbox with these services. We thank you for sharing this exciting time with us in VFX. Let’s continue the adventure.
The following post was written for and included in the TNG Visual Effects October 2011 newsletter.
You’ve heard the terms body doubles, and photo doubles, but digital doubles? Here’s a tip to get you ahead of the learning curve. Digital doubles can soon be another fundamental part of the production process. The benefit of ensuring your peace of mind also means having continual access to your talent.
Imagine you are getting close to wrapping on production. All is going well until the unthinkable happens. Your principal talent suffers an injury that will delay production for weeks while he/she recovers. What will the total costs be to hold up production?
