Do you want to sculpt, model or 3D scan?

Whether you need sculpting, modeling, or scanning depends on the cost plus time equation. Our research and experience in the 3D scanning industry has revealed that ‘the time it took an artist to model’ versus ‘the cost of scanning’ was almost equal. The only difference was that the project was completed in about half the time when scanning was chosen over modeling. If time is money then 3D scanning is clearly the most cost-effective way to go.

The scanning process will give you the ability to scan a great number of people, quickly and in a single session. It is always best to plan a 3D scanning session early, perhaps even in pre-production, or when you have the required talent, props, or other items to be scanned available. You will get the most out of your models when you plan them from previs to post production.

Remember, there are few artists that can replicate a person quickly and with incredible detail. If you have these types of artists in your network, you should regard them as valuable assets. Most companies will take their modelers and put them on other aspects of the project to maximize their resources. This also gives the artists experience to increase their skills in other areas of the post-production process. The sculpting then comes in handy to quickly enhance the model for finishing.

No matter which method you choose, it is best to think of scanning, modeling, and sculpting as complementary. These various methods aren’t competing with each other. Ask your 3D scanning company how they can save you valuable time on your next project.

Resolution Revolution

It’s a Resolution Revolution!

3D Characters: High – Medium – Low

Not all 3D scans are equal. TNG offers variable pricing for your 3D scans. While we make 3D scanning look easy, the varying degrees of complexity for each specific model is something we like to discuss in the initial bidding process. You always have the option of choosing the resolution that suits your shot and your budget. As budgets tighten, it’s concepts like these that can help to control costs.

Some characters are very complex, while some won’t require as much attention to detail. If your characters have extra detail, or are going to be close to the camera, they’ll get some special treatment in post. There are also those characters that will be some distance from the camera. These do not require as much time or cost.  Unlike those tricky New Years resolutions, TNG can ensure you get the results and resolution you need with your 3D scans. Remember, TNG guarantees all work.

Replication – Cashing in on the Digital Asset

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.

Scan it!

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.

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.

1. Should I use 3D scanning, modeling, or just use creativity in some way with live action?
2. What is my fallback position should an obvious need for improvements arise that may require additional 3D scans in ‘post’?
3. Am I seeing everything we may need for this to be a successful production?
4. What if we lose one of our principle actors? How can we finish the project?
5. 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.