Creating 3D Models for VFX with TNG Visual Effects

TNG Visual Effects scan technicians and artists know just what to do when creating digital assets from 3D scanning for use in film, television, or video games.

The scanning process begins as soon as the talent arrives at our studio (or we arrive on the location of our clients’ choice). Once everyone is settled in and our equipment is calibrated, we begin by taking high-resolution reference photographs. The quality of these photographs is critical to producing high-resolution texture maps at 2K, 4K or as high as 8K.

We use structured light scanners to capture the geometry of the talent who will become a photorealistic 3D cg model. The scanners create the digital models at up to a million polygons. Once the data is captured and created, we move on to the post-production process.

Create your digital assets with the right team and the proper equipment.

The first step in the post-production process involves ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the scan data. We align, stitch, and register the scan data. It is then re-topologized (the process of intelligently placing edge loops) in order to ensure the data is a manageable size for our clients, in addition to optimizing it for animation.

After re-topologizing the model, the team of artists at TNG UV the polys and then texture the model using the high-resolution reference photos. They will sculpt any additional details necessary to make the model worthy of the title ‘photorealistic.’ Accurate measurements are verified through the use of the scan data throughout the process. In the final stages of post-production, TNG artists will use various shaders and materials to produce the best looking render possible.

Good quality photorealistic looking 3D models can only be accomplished with a complete pipeline,  a dedicated team, professional equipment, and good coordination with clients to ensure they are getting what they want. Choose 3D scanning technology services as your number one source for visual effects assets.

http://tngvisualeffects.com 877.879.2040

Replicating Your Environment

Create exactly what you want via TNG 3D scanning visual effects technology.

 

Have you ever stepped on set, and immediately wished you had a digital scan of it?  Or have you wished the set was still there after it’s been taken apart? You might think you need a time machine, but all you need is a 3D scanning company with the right tools.  This is why we provide a service akin to insurance scanning. It’s the same concept of scanning characters in the event that they become unavailable later during production. With insurance scanning, you can have the sets scanned, and the data archived in case you need it in post production. The same can be done for location shooting as well.

We can scan houses, buildings, and structures that may be on the location to provide you with the ability to add (or subtract) cleanly from the scene. Sometimes pedestrians or traffic may be obstructing a location, and in that case, we can scan in the middle of the night with our infrared laser scanners.

It is the customer’s choice as to what they want and when they want the final delivery. You may want to consider what type of format you want the data: be it a point cloud, a surfaced model, or perhaps a complete model with textures is your ideal delivery.

Consider using 3D scanning on your project. TNG can save you the resources of both time and money.

Are your characters breaking your budget?

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Are-your-CHARACTERS-spending-your-budget-.html?soid=1103007733068&aid=8eXGeCF7roM.

 

Bringing Your 3D Data to Life

Motion Capture and 3D scanning go hand-in-hand.  We are constantly looking at changes in the market and are currently working on a solution to facial performance capture. We are still in early testing mode, but are continually looking for ways to bring about a good looking solution that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

 For full body motion capture we are making alliances to work with some of the best mocap studios out there. This also helps us understand how to set up the 3d scanned character to better receive the mocap data. It is important to us to see the entire picture as opposed to taking a limited view that doesn’t include what the character will do once the 3D model is created.

As TNG proliferates the market within the US and Canada, we are also looking for local mocap studios as a source to recommend to our customers looking for that type of service. We also find out what type of rig will work best for them, but that also needs to be requested by the customer.

Other important issues we are working on to use in conjunction with 3D scanning and mocap are cyber cloth and cyber hair. As your character moves, everything needs to be in fluid motion to bring out the realism of the action.  All of these synergistic elements are dependent on each other to work together.

We are constantly looking for better and more extensive ways to help in the process of making your project stay in budget and on time. Other areas we are currently investigating include HDRI as a service as well as photogrammetry and supportive modeling. All these areas complement each other to supply you the data needed for your project.

Special Effects vs. Visual Effects: Our Changing Industry

The industry (commonly referred to as “The Biz”) is in a constant change of getting the public viewers’ interested in their story by using all of the tools available. All businesses experience this – constant change. Special Effects was the preferred tool of the trade for years with explosions, water tanks, and stuntmen diving off of buildings into inflated cushions. In the last 10-15 years Visual Effects has been coming into their own with water effects, fire, explosions and making digital characters fall off roofs, mountains, or catching on fire.

Special Effects with live action shots were faster and easier for the director to work with, however, to do a second and third take became difficult and expensive. Now with visual effects and computers, you can do the second take, make various changes, and get a whole new look that could not be done any other way.

Visual Effects also lets you break all the rules as to what happens to a character or object within a scene. Yes, over the years there have been many changes, and more changes are on the way. The most important part of visual effects is creating life-like models and their seamless integration to live action.  This is the real magic of everything working in synchronization. It also gives the movie makers and commercial innovators a more cost-effective method of building content. This should also have an effect on the insurance that a show has to carry becuase their talent or their stunt actor is not in danger.

 To create the digital characters and props, you could have them modeled, or use some different visual effects depending on how close you would like them to get the action. 3D scanning has become the quickest solution that gives you the ability to use in pre-visualization and in the shot.  If you are working on a franchise such as Spiderman or Ironman, the 3D scan can be used over and over. The same can be done with TV episodics,  commercials with several variations and with video games that have a number of iterations to serve their fan base. 3D scans also make a great asset to use in the event of changes in the cast for various reasons.

What’s your poly count?

 

Whether you’re creating digital content to be used for mobile apps, video games, television episodes, commercials, trailers or feature films, we’ve got you covered. TNG Visual Effects specializes in creating custom 3D digital assets for virtually any production. Email info@tngvisualeffects.com to inquire about what we can create for you or call Nick Tesi (310.717.2937) directly to discuss your needs.

How Would You Like Your Assets Delivered?

You are using more digital assets created by many different means. Our unique ability to provide last-minute 3D scans for a wide range of objects coupled with various delivery options is no secret. As a way to fully meet your production needs, TNG Visual Effects remains the most flexible option for 3D scanning services in the entertainment industry as we’re able to be anywhere you need us. So what exactly can we deliver?

Scalable Base Mesh

We are developing a base mesh that will feature an adjustable resolution to save production the cost and time currently associated with processing models at multiple resolutions. The texture map may also be very requested at varying resolutions.

 Bits and Subsamples for Texture Maps

Ordering high-resolution models will allow you the ability to subsample as needed (for example, foreground and background characters or objects for film and media). Another area of flexibility lies in the ability to choose whether the texture will be 8-bits or 16-bits. 16-bit texture maps have more color information, allowing us to supply you with a well-defined, striking texture to go with your 3D model. For contrast, an 8-bit image has 16.8 million color possibilities, however a 16-bit image has 281 trillion color possibilities! [www.photoshopessentials.com] The higher level of color information allows for more photo manipulation and control without degradation.

 Range of Specs

If you have a number of modelers at your command to develop your character/s, we can give you clean, raw meshes, and they can extrapolate upon them. You will also get buildings, vehicles, props, and anything else you need scanned delivered to your specifications.

Beyond Raw Mesh

Our team is staffed by talented artists who are sculptors, modelers, and texture specialists. They will get you started with 3D scans and see your models through to the level of detail you’ve requested. Your call, raw to ready-to-rig.

The future begins today. Let us give you the best digital assets available for your time, money, location, and exact specifications. There are many solutions, but few will meet all the parameters that define your needs. Our team of scan technicians and artists are here to ensure you get what you need. Let us be your catalyst from concept to reality.

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.

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.