the spot

Integrating live-action video capture of talent and a 3D environment of mountainous proportions was made all the more fun by the juxtaposition of scale in our latest work for ski resort Alpine Meadows. Utilizing motion capture of performance, some existing ski footage and a computer generated mountain resort in full swing, a whimsical print campaign by The Concept Farm was brought to life for the small screen. Much more info on our process below.

first engineering test

Tracking the motion of camera and talent requires a different capture system from that for camera and environment. Building a “hat” to hold the reference points was the crafty part and the wizardry of tracking software proved the concept.

These locked-off camera tests inspired us to get a jib arm for the actual shoot, allowing the camera to be moved vertically rather than sliding the image in post. This provides for correct perspective throughout the range of motion. The replacement of the human face with one from a 3D model? Early tests for something new, more news on that later this year.

concept boards

It all starts with a call from the agency and getting the boards they’ve prepared. Typical “shooting” boards weren’t in order at that point as the stock footage from Alpine Meadows would really drive the action sequence and nature of the “mountain.”

Agency: The Concept Farm
Live Action Production: Related Grey
Editorial/Post Production: Related Grey
Director: Luke Takahashi
DP: Rich Hall
Environmental Design & Integration: Related Grey

tracking, keying & compositing

To integrate the live action skiing footage, it must be tracked for camera motion and stabilized. That information is then used to define the camera moves and action placement on the mountain. The live action frames are then individually outlined on alpha channel for later compositing.

final note

On time. On budget within industry norms. Asked by the agency for our personnel info for awards entries. Love that.

Got questions? Just want to talk shop? Give Rich a call or hit him by email. Contact info on our contact page.

building the environment

With a desire to strongly mimic that actual terrain of Alpine Meadows, and a need to integrate live action footage of skiers videotaped there, creative director Luke and CG director zAy viewed the live action footage of skiers, selected the slopes, trees, rocks and snow, and built a mountain to match.

live action production

A simple shoot of head and shoulders doesn’t sound like much, but add in the need to move camera super-smoothly in 3 dimensions as well as pull an f8 on your 5D and it becomes a bit more. In typical rG fashion, the day was captured for posterity.