1. MINIATURE EFFECT

Different ways to create impossible worlds and locations in movies

A miniature effect, a special effect created for motion pictures and television programs using scale models. Miniature set designers design and build miniature props and sets of motion pictures. They build models used for visual effects that meet the look and requirements of the production.

While the use of computer generated imagery (CGI) has largely overtaken their use, there are still films being made that use stop motion animation with very elaborate miniaturized sets and fully articulated characters, especially for projects requiring physical interaction with fire, explosions or water, but the result It’s always a combination of both, model and vfx. Titanic (1997), Godzilla (1998), The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-3), Casino Royale (2006), Inception (2010), and Interstellar (2014) are examples of highly successful films that have utilized miniatures for a significant component of their visual effects work.

Will there be further development of the miniature effect or have we reached the end of their use?

2. WHAT IS RHYTHM?

Analyzing through edits and beat

Editing a video or a film is one of the most vital aspects of storytelling. The right rhythm and pace of the edit can determine the progression of the narrative, on the other hand it can also change how the audience receives the message of the film entirely. Weak editing is not only visually irritating, it can also drive away the attention of the spectator from the video itself.

But is there a specific rule to respect in order to create a rhythm?

3. AERIAL MOTION CONTROL TECHNIQUE

Aerial VFX w/ timelapse

Filmmaker Rufus Blackwell recently shared with the internet his latest project. His techniques combine motion control through planned waypoint missions, and then manipulating the footage in a visual effects software to mirror the ground in an almost “Inception”-like effect.

He has continued to experiment with techniques that involve aerial time-lapse, motion control, and visual effects to find new and unique uses for drones that can capture video.

“I started with basic aerial time-lapse. Then started working on aerial motion control techniques. Using preplanned waypoint missions it is possible to set the drone up like an motion control rig in the sky. You can repeat the same set of camera moves at a different times of day to create a beautiful day to night transition.”

Blackwell explained

Blackwell also need some compositing and animation skills to track, smooth, and simulate additional movements to create the unique motion you see in the video.

” Then on top of that there are various techniques that allow me to reposition the camera in post and create camera moves on top of the drones automated movement. Finally by stabilizing the source material and flipping the image with a soft matte you can create the mirrorworld effect, sometimes changing the vertical scale of the images to give a different perspective.”

Blackwell explained

The shooting techniques are many and different from each other, in this case we talk about hyperlapse of aerial shots. If we combine new types of film like these with the art of vfx we can create a completely different visual experience, and this work is the result.

4. WHAT IS CINEMATIC LIGHTING?

Borrowed from French cinéma, shortening of cinématographe (term coined by the Lumière brothers in the 1890s), from Ancient Greek κίνημα (kínēma, “movement”) + Ancient Greek -γράφειν (-gráphein, “write(record)“.

Cinematic lighting is a film lighting technique that goes beyond the standard three-point lighting setup to add drama, depth, and atmosphere to the story. Cinematic lighting utilizes lighting tricks like bouncing light, diffusing light, and adjusting color temperatures.

Lighting is a fundamental to film because it creates a visual mood, atmosphere, and sense of meaning for the audience. Whether it’s dressing a film set or blocking actors, every step of the cinematic process affects the lighting setup, and vice-versa.

• Tells the audience where to look.
• Reflects the psychology of characters.
• Defines and supports the genre of the film

Main roles for the Lighting Setup for a Scene?

Firstly the director, who shares visual inspirations and ideas for cinematic lighting, the director of photography or cinematographer creates then the lighting plan with input from the director. The gaffer designs and executes the cinematographer’s lighting plan and oversees the crew that brings the lighting plan to life.

With excellent light it is possible to obtain beautiful and powerful shots even if the location is not the best, but what are the rules to be respected to achieve a good level of cinematic light?

5. Why Retopology is used?

Retopology is the process of converting high-resolution models into something much smaller that can be used for animation. It can be a difficult process, but the basic idea is to create another mesh that simplifies the original HD asset.

In the past a 3D artist would painstakingly build a mesh polygon-by-polygon. The problem with this approach is that it’s very technical and difficult.

Sculpting is a more intuitive process that lends itself better to how artists think and work.

The downside is that you have to create a lot of polygons to sculpt the curves you need. And too much detail will slow down even the most powerful computer.

That’s where retopology comes in. By overlaying a low-polygon mesh onto a high-polygon mesh you can get something that’s perfect for animating and easy on your processor.