Week8: Research Abstract

The abstract was due in today and I'll admit after being teamed up I found trying to focus in on my research project an even harder task. There is no room for motion capture in the short film Tom, Kieran and I are working on but having already geared my research towards that and now I feel myself trying to find a way to adapt this to my practical work.

Abstract:

Visual Effects: CG and Live Action Integration

Growth in technology has undoubtedly had an effect on the progression of visual effects in TV, advertising and film. Imagination is pushing this technology further in the field reducing the limitations and obstacles that visual effects have previously faced. Visual story-telling has always had its limitations to what could be achieved, but films such as ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and ‘Avatar’ are being seen to raise the bar; proving that what was once seen as unattainable, with advancing technology, can actually be achieved to great standards. ‘Technology can overwhelm and potentially dehumanise a production or it can be used to create very poetic and very emotional flourishes that wouldn't exist otherwise’ (Cameron, 2009, cited in Dyer P.92). James Cameron, director of avatar, explains that it is not only how advanced the technology is, but also how the technologies are used that is important. The use of the word ‘dehumanise’ is the central focus of this statement, highlighting that the technology and visual effects are vital for creating a sense of realism to the story.

Primarily, this investigation will revolve around visual effects and compositing in regards to story-telling. Specifically it will focus on the integration of a believable CG character and live action plates: whether immersing this character in a completely live-action environment, or having the character interact with live action characters. Naturally, to create convincing visuals, props and environments too will have to be created digitally and composited into the scenes to help create this believable environment that the character can interact with.

However, whilst the main aim of this investigation will be to gain an understanding of the processes involved allowing the immersion of the character in its environment creating a convincing character is crucial for this to be successful. Observing techniques used in film in particular (such as those mentioned above and many more) allow a great understanding of the processes involved in heightening the believability of the character but also how many differing techniques are available. ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and ‘Avatar’ both utilise motion and performance capture techniques to emphasise the realism within the characters and this would be a definite interest within this research.

Predominantly however, the real focus of the research will be gaining an understanding of the skills and techniques required for immersing a CG character into a live action environment whilst additionally creating realistic/convincing effects that better communicate the story to the audience. Of course, there are effects that are both visible and invisible, and it is hugely important that these are used to draw the audience in to the story. ‘Our goal is to not be noticed…hopefully … you don’t even know we were there’ (Preeg, 2009). Steve Preeg, animation and character supervisor in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, highlights that out with the use of flashy and intentionally obvious effects, visual effects and compositing is hugely about seamlessly bringing the visuals and story-telling elements together in a believable and almost unnoticeable manner: that the visuals should never lead the audience to question the story or the character. This is a massive necessity in the role of visual effects in story-telling.

References:

Dyer, J. 2009. Empire, International Index to Performing Arts, [magazine article] 240 (0957-4948) P92. [Online]. Available through Pro-quest website: http://search.proquest.com/docview/2214911/fulltextPDF/1416980F0682699C0EE/1?accountid=10606 [Accessed 04 Oct 2013]

Preeg, S. 2009.Interview. Interviewed by Lee Stranahan [online] Uploaded on 17 January 2009. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X5zCxe6Ah8 [Accessed 22 Oct 2013]

Unfortunately, as it stands at present, I feel I have unavoidably displayed this confusion in my abstract. There seems to be a clashing of possibilities. I feel as though I have taken a step back in my research and may  need to rethink my question/topic again.