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Camera Mapping Gorgeous Motion Pictures from Still Photographs

By Biagio on October 21, 2012 in Case Studies, Hands-On Techniques, VFX with 0 Comments

Awhile back we wrote a post about a technique called camera mapping, which is essentially taking a still photograph and “projecting” it onto 3d geometry to essentially fake motion picture footage.

If that sounds a bit complicated, Nick over at Grey Scale Gorilla has a great post on camera mapping explaining how it all works in Cinema 4d.

Can’t afford Cinema 4d? There are also some great Blender tutorials, explaining how to pull off the technique in Blender which is a FREE 3d program (perfect price for indies.)

Camera Mapping at Work

We have an upcoming TV show that we used camera mapping in heavily. Here was an early test to see how far we could push the process:

Camera Mapping Test from Joke and Biagio on Vimeo.

And here’s another camera map test including some 3d rendered spheres and a little bit of video (the artwork is camera mapped):

Cinema 4d/Syntheyes Test from Joke and Biagio on Vimeo.

Great Example on Vimeo

I wanted to post this example I came across the other day on Vimeo — it’s really a terrific use of camera mapping, and proof that with a still camera and a little know you, you can create high-quality footage. The piece is called “Deserted” by Bernd Montag.

DESERTED – Camera Mapping with Cinema 4D from Bernd Montag on Vimeo.

Nice job, Bernd!

Considering how much easier it is to shoot a super high-res photo than high-res video, this is a great way to get some extremely high-res footage on the cheap.

Go get yourself Blender, shoot some photos, and give it a try!

How to Edit Your Project While Driving to Vegas

By Biagio on August 4, 2010 in Featured Post, Hands-On Techniques with 8 Comments

Laptop-Final-Cut-Pro-Driving.jpg

The deadline for one of the first TV pilots Joke and I ever delivered collided with my Dad flying in to Vegas. He wanted to see us, since we were “just” in L.A.

Not wanting to feel like a horrible son, or ruin our budding careers, it was time to improvise.

I decided to finish editing, create all graphics, and prep the timeline for sound mix…you guessed it!…in the car, on the way to Sin City.
Continue Reading…

Sound Recording and Sound Mixing Resources for the Hands-On Producer

By Biagio on August 8, 2009 in Hands-On Techniques with 0 Comments

audiowave_thumbOne of the main philosophies of this blog is that to break in to producing film and television, you should become a Hands-On Producer.

When you’re just starting out, part of that means getting great sound in the field…and mixing it in post…all by your lonesome. May seem scary, especially if you know nothing about sound. Guess what? Time to learn!

Here’s a few of my favorite resources for getting started in the audio side of moving picture production:

My Favorite Web Resources:

Microphone Guide

Great basic description of the different mics you’ll need to choose from to get the job done.

Sound Basics and Recording Techniques

While slightly dry, this article, which is part of a curriculum for the Bay Area Video Coalition, is a great place to start if you want to know the difference between a lav, a boom, an on camera mic, and when it’s appropriate to use each. Also goes a bit into the science of sound. Worth reading.

Audio Advice: Videotaping Conversations

Nice article on techniques for recording conversations.

Lavalier Lessons

Whether you use an expensive wireless mic, or a more affordable wired option, these techniques will help you properly mic your talent when using a lavalier.

How to Record High Quality Audio for Film and TV

Working with a boom pole. This method will likely work better for your scripted material than reality project, but this is good material to understand. FYI, on our large reality shows, we always use both lavs and booms to get the field audio.

A Crash Course in Sound Mixing

A terrific two-part article, A Crash Course in Sound Mixing Part 1 and Part 2 provide a great overview of the sound mixing process, along with some helpful tips.

Final Cut Pro 4 Audio Essentials

Final Cut Pro 4? What? Isn’t that ancient? Well, the article is from 2003, but certainly classifies as an “oldie but a goodie.” Even if you don’t use Final Cut Pro, the principles explained transcend the software, and it’s a great read. It even starts with field recording techniques. Sure, some of the info is out of date, but what an in-depth article! Have a look.

My Favorite Books

There’s only two books you need. Seriously. Both are by Jay Rose, sound man extraordinaire. There IS some overlap between these two books, but I own both, and love them. They sit next to my bay, and I literally consult at least one of them on everything I mix.

Producing Great Sound for Film and Video

Producing Great Sound for Film and Video
was the first book I ever bought on getting sound. I felt like a genius after reading it. I used its advice on many of our own projects. Of the two, this book focuses more on getting sound in the field, although it does have lots of practical post-production advice as well.

Audio Postproduction for Film and Video

Audio Postproduction for Film and Video
is Jay’s second book, and delves much further into sound post issues like mixing and mastering. Again, there IS some overlap with Jay’s first book, but I’ve never minded having both.

Start Recording and Mixing Audio

The first few times you try to capture or mix audio on your own, you will make mistakes. Just like anything else, it’s going to take some practice. When you’re big and successful, you’ll hire the best sound men in the business. In the mean time, become the best sound man or sound woman you can.

What are your favorite web resources of books on sound recording and mixing?  Leave a comment and let us know!