Visual Effects
Motion control refers to the ability to perform complex camera (or physical model) motion
in a completely repeatable fashion. Though this may not sound very exciting the creativity
aforded the artist through the use of this
technique is outstanding.
Visual effects compositing is easiest when the camera is stationary for the shooting of each
of its many plates. This sort of shooting is termed locked down due to its lack of camera motion.
Motion control brings that same ease of compositing to unlimited camera moves. This was one of
the exciting new innovations which made the original Star Wars films possible.
The way the repeatable motion is acheived is by programming the movements into a computer which
in turn controls the motors which move the camera or model. The result is that the live actors, in
a potentially dangerous scene, can be shot seperately from exploding glass or fire. Also expensive
models which may need to be shot seperately to insure their safety can be shot alone. These many
plates are easily composited as though the camera were locked down but without that static feeling
thus giving the director the freedom to get the angle desired.
More to come!
Back to the Visual Effects area.
Feedback is always welcome drop a line to:
mrehrer@csua.berkeley.edu.
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