News Stories

SHOOT 3D — GOOD!

2.19.2012

[3DTV.com]

…Here at 3DTV.com, your images can come to life, whether they’re stills or video. That’s because, besides providing a platform for presenting 3D directly, 2D photos and video can be converted to 3D with no effort (or cost) on your part. But a shaky camera or a bad angle while shooting is something that needs to be addressed when the image is first being captured. So say hello to tripods or, to be more 21st Century about it, stability-inducing devices.
Lets take as an example the recently introduced Belkin’s Live Action Camera Grip. Designed for the iPhone 4/4s and iPod touch, it wraps around the bottom of the iOS device so it’s not intrusive and connects to the syncing pins so there’s no wires. Working in conjunction with an app that lets you press the “trigger” to shoot makes sense, as does the sense of balance that the grip provides. Even better, there’s an integrated tripod mount if you need it, and separate buttons to immediately activate video or still shooting. When you place the grip on the iPhone, the app is automatically launched too (the app is free, btw). A timer device is also available and once fitted on the iPhone or iPod touch, you can activate it from up to 30 feet away using Bluetooth.
Should you want to take your mobile device darting through scenes, without making the audience flinch and exhibit “ACK” — then try the Steadicam Smoothie (for iPhone) or the Optika SteadyVid for digital cameras and camcorders, for example, the 3D Sony Bloggie or a 3D videocamera like those from DXG. Both let you move around while maintaining control over the image without having to use electronic means which, by definition, adversely affects the image being created since the image is being manipulated digitally (that’s why an optical zoom is superior to a digital zoom).  …

One week out, Hollywood gears up for Oscars

2.19.2012

[Variety]

An edible 3D panel made of white chocolate is on display at the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball food and beverage preview in Hollywood, Calfornia. Guests will be given 3D glasses to wear when the desserts are served to enjoy the 3D effect. The 84th annual Academy Awards will take place on February 26th in Hollywood

See the original story here: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/hollywood/one-week-out-hollywood-gears-oscars-696

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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