[softdistortion]

I've done a variety of projects and have more than one specialty in cg, but I decided to start on a new project that would stretch into the unknown and try a full on VFX shot to see who may join in on the experience and allow others to see how I/we manage. Whenever there are updates (which I hope to do at least weekly) I'll be posting a bit about what's new here.

It will involve integration of video sequences and an animated 3d character.
Hoping to get some help and feedback from anyone that are interested in collabing on this sort of thing now or in the future.

Already a bunch of episodes posted in the VFXJournal

FAQ:
What is this about?

It's an attempt at a pro level VFX clip that will combine cg with live footage. DETAILS HERE

Inviting anyone that feels they have something to contribute to the endeavor.
I'm mainly looking for self motivated advanced artists interested in a new experience.

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Here's the list I have so far of the required elements...if you see something I missed, tell me! >

* Live footage shot on location (hoping to shoot HD)
-planning of Live shoot DONE
-planning of equipment DONE
* Hi resolution CG model and textures DONE
* Realistic CG Animation of model IN PROGRESS
-rigging and animation
* Matchmove solving of Live film and compositing of CG elements 50% DONE
-planning of shots to make them trackable DONE
-planning of software pipeline DONE
* unexpected stuff... ummmmm..in progress!


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Here's the anticipated questions I have so far...if you have more questions, ask em!>
Questions people may be asking>

Looks cool, but have you ever done a pro level VFX sequence like this before?
um, no....but I figure it's like anything else I've tried that I never did before. I have some basics ( softdistortion.com / shirowproject.com ) , and I'll learn what I need to know on the way, and probably some others will also pitch in their expertise and skills. It's the experience of something new and working with others that is of value to me.

Why are you putting it in a live Journal?
It's a way to let others who have an interest see the nitty gritty details of this project from concept to delivery...You can follow the success and challenges of it all from the perspective of someone who (maybe like you) has never done this type of thing before.

Also, I personally sometimes feel a bit of a let down when I see something like this get released without any real details or an explanation missing details that I would like explained.

[softdistortion]

UPDATE



Victor Wolansky of FXphd.com has completed tracking! This clip shows his final, rock solid test render.

* interesting developments with this clip! It’s now being used as part of the advanced tracking classes at FXphd.com. Coool!

+++++++++++++++++

The next VFX project is on the slow burner but it's taking some shape already. It's a Scifi script (naturally) set on an snow/ice planet.
I'm starting a soft recruiting pass NOW.

We'll need more people for this one, so any CG/VFX lurkers looking for a challenge PM or email me. ESPECIALLY ANY ILLUSTRATORS, we'd like to start with high quality promo art for this one!

*I'm hoping to get some sponsorship this time and provide at least some small token of pay for people on the project

[softdistortion]

It's been a bit of wait to see any renders...still some issues to sort, but there's a nice update to look at in the Vidjournal

[softdistortion]

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Our second VFX project has kicked off and the Recruit for this model is filled!
Thx to all who did a RT or applied
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Stay tuned for eye CANDY!

VFX2 info>

Concept1 ESCAPE POD>
Live action/CG= shots will be based on a snow planet environment.

Script Synopsis- Main character crash lands and fights to survive the elements and wildlife on this planet.

Goal - produce a few cool shots for a film teaser length clip.

Progress- Concept art for main items is done.

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*If you're wanting to get involved but not in the CG end, could use some help posting recruiting calls, organizing and promoting.
Email or PM if interested

[softdistortion]

Thanks man! Yeah, we did some simulation work for this also.

Some new clips from this project and also the start of the next one which shall be called by the name......VFX2!

======VFX1 project==============



VFX project 1-
Not perfect yet, but it's something to look at.

======VFX2 project==============


VFX project 2- Location scouting #3


VFX project 2- Escape pod layout progress

[softdistortion]

Still working away at this project and having a great time!
Had some questions (from other places) about the props in this live shot we were testing for VFX integration with our CG robot.



The main visor prop is a old AM/FM headset we picked up for $4.
The radio circuit board was cut out an the batteries and on/off switch were wired to some blue LEDs. A wire was fed through the antenna to light one of the LEDs and a rubber grommet was put on the LED bulb to make it look more complex.

The suit is made of those disposable paper coverall suits used for painting etc @ $5 each.
We used 2 and cut them up to make the jacket/pants and also boots and a face mask.
T-shirt heat transfer sheets were used to make the BIOdivision logo green material on the front of the suit.

The safety glasses @$6 are the type with a little LED light on the front.
We reversed the light to shine on the actors face, and specifically eyes. I think this adds some beautiful visual contrast...especially on closeups with the eyes looking right into the lens.

The flashing lights are LED strobe lights @$2 each form a dollar store. We put them on the ground and later when I was shooting free hand, I thought, lets put 2 of them on the tripod head. Turned out pretty cool looking I think!

These strobes are and amazing find for the price. They have a circuit that allows the strobe feq to be adjusted over a large range.

We picked up 5 and one has already been stripped of it's circuits and use on another really cool prop that I'll show in near future.

imo this is the type of thing we need to get good at to optimize time and costs. You can't buy and build something like that strobe circuit for $2!

[softdistortion]

UPDATE


Been sitting on this for a few weeks and finally had a chance to comp it together.

This is a test composite of three separate HDSLR shots and CG.

There's loads of technical issues... but this clip is not about that...it's focusing on the experience of executing from shoot setup to comp... It's a stepping stone to the more challenging shots coming up. :surprised

I'll try to do a walk through vid showing and explaining how this was done.

The backstory... for now >
The technicians look the same because they're clones of a super intelligent bio engineer.
They work in the biodiviosion of Mecha Systems Corp.
This sequence is happening just as the project goes off the rails after the biodivision's experimenting with genetic bio induction on the two giant mecha robots.

Feedback in this thread here...oooooorrrr....Comments are open for a bit at the VFX01 Journal site HERE , so leave some feedback if you like it or are interested!
Or leave a comment/like on Vimeo> VIMEO
thx
sd

[softdistortion]

The story line for VFX1 is being roughed out a bit more as the concept solidifies.
We'll still be keeping elements of the original shot ideas. Beyond that the story lines have matured a lot. There's even some tie in between VFX1 with the copbots in the garage and the souls stranded on an ice planet in VFX2.

We're working on the holographic shot of the copbot impacted on the pillar.
The bot will be setup in a frozen moment and a live actor will be examining the holo projection of the crash.

Also getting some great input from a Digital Domain (Transformers, StarTrekII) VFX guru on this shot. :wip:

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Edith Sharon is joining the team for the fall/winter project(s) ramp up. :wip:
She's currently working as a professional Light TD.

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We have secured the company that will be doing our hard surface, life sized props for ex, our escape pod builds. They have full production and paint facilities.
Best of all, they're excited to get a chance to work on something cool like our pod.

A second company we still need to confirm pricing with may end up doing any CNC rapid prototyping for round/complex parts like the top hatch of the pod.

If/when we do a build, the process will be recorded and added to the vids at the team site.

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We're looking for people that are into CG/VFX/FILM/SOUND to add to the group-
growing our own indie Film/VFX/CG production team that will rock the world...or atleast our own backyards.

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If you would like to donate your skills or funds to help speed up these projects, please PM here or email> softdistortions at hotmail.com
Funds may be donated via paypal to collabunlimited at hotmail.com
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[softdistortion]

New FX vid is up HERE
Shot HD footage with a 12' crane jib, track it in 3D and drop the escapepod in on the backplates.

No textures on the pod yet, but you get the idea. Later of course we shoot proper plates, a custom 12k HDR for IBL, reflection....I think we should be able to get it to the level of the renders I did of the bot in the garage....which I will now link for gratuitous reference to our other works. :wise:

[johnchen]

this is looking awesome, good luck with it all I'm sure the final product is going to be outstanding!

[softdistortion]

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Here's an example of some of the work being done @ collabunlimited by our connective pros and freelancers. We're all working together to do some very cool indie projects.



Thx Fabrizio and Chris for helping move this closer to completion!

Join us at collabunlimited.com and get more info and tips on this and other CG and VFX professional's projects.

Or join the newsletter>

[softdistortion]

Hey all, we're working away on the various parts for our indie film projects- Deadwait and Lost Survivor.

I mentioned in an earlier post that Chris Lebaron has taken over from Fabrizio and the Iceworm creature for Lost Survivor is coming to completion.

Chris has finished the sculpt and it's now time to transfer the model to texture, rig and animate!

For render and animation we need to transfer from ZB.
To outline some of the steps, I added the video to the collab journal HERE .

Have questions or need more info? SIGN UP HERE