Pitchvis

Pitchvis illustrates the potential of a project before it has been fully funded or green lit. As part of development, these often 'hero' sequences are conceptual, to be refined or replaced during pre-production.

Animatic Creation

We can edit together storyboards creating an animatic which provides a sense of timing and movement to the flow of a sequence.  The animatics can than be fleshed out with previs, moving a sequence from concept to reality, whilst discovering the optimal creative and technical solutions for any shot. Adding sound effects and music enhances the storytelling  and overall experience.

 

 

Digital Set Modelling

Working closely with the art department and concept artists we translate their drawings and designs into 3D virtual models suitable for efficient previs production. To be used as a design development tool or as a way to establish the constraints of a built set or real life location, it can show the crew any troublesome areas whilst also showing what can and can’t be seen though real-world lenses within the computer.    

We also build digital characters that we might need for actors, creatures, vehicles and props.

Scene / Sequence Creation

Once layout is agreed, we begin to block out animations of the actors, and camera moves, manipulating the virtual camera in accordance with real world limits and specifications. At Nvizage we have spent a lot of time ensuring our digital camera move in the correct manner just like real film cameras, whether they are mounted on dollies, cranes or hand held.

Our models are built to the correct scale, and with the correct camera film back settings and the appropriate focal length we can assemble accurate, and as ethically pleasing compositions.

Stereographic Previs

Nvizage spent nine months producing stereoscopic previs for Hugo Cabret. Constant refinement to our virtual stereo camera rigs enables us to exploit this exciting aspect of filmmaking. Our pipeline supports the option to receive Inter Ocular and Convergence data recorded from live action material straight in to our virtual cameras, this is beneficial for producing accurate corresponding stereo post-vis content.

The opportunity to design and craft stereo camera moves in previs is essential for the realisation of great stereography and technical planning.

Virtual Camera System (VCS)

Amongst our Previs tool set is the VCS or Virtual Camera System which enables the operator to explore virtual worlds with characters and creatures all in a real-time environment. We also have the capability of full motion capture technologies to assist in fast and efficient shot creation.

Technical Previs

Essentially a shot breakdown, we provide all the information required to recreate a shot for real on set or location. In addition to our animations, we create detailed diagrams that contain essential camera data as well dimensioned scene layouts for each shot from start to finish. So whether a shot involves visual effects components, green screen, sections of the set that can be wild, or complex camera or stunt/actor movement we can clearly illustrate this for replication in the real world.

 

Mechanical Studies

We are able to take conceptual illustrations, drawings and technical plans to the next level. Whether it be the latest Badpod or a Wonka bar, we can accurately model them in 3D.

Depending on the reason for the study we can analyse movements and produce animations of any moving parts, apply colour, texturing and lighting to produce highly realistic simulations. Production Designers, SFX units, construction units, and Prop units can further evaluate their visions - if they need to be revised for practical limitations and whether their ideas can be made in the real world. This is a rapid and cost effective environment, and the benefits are undeniable.

Onset Previs / Ncam

Nvizage creates real-time (or near real-time) visualizations on location to help the director, cinematographer, visual effects supervisor, and crew quickly evaluate captured imagery. This includes the use of techniques that can synchronize and composite live photography with 2D or 3D virtual elements for immediate visual feedback.

Ncam is a new technology product and service company providing onset and on location camera tracking for the film and television markets. 
 
Ncam's state-of-the-art realtime camera tracking system is beneficial to all film makers wishing to integrate complex VFX into their projects.  Ncam combines digital assets (often from previs pipelines) and composites them with the live action, allowing directors and DOPs to compose their shots  accurately and envisage the final framing of the shot in realtime.
 
Unlike many systems Ncam is able to track almost any kind of camera on stage or outside on location, whether it's mounted on a crane, dolly, steadicam or handheld and does not require any form of tracking markers or objects.

Postvis

As part of our postvis package we combine digital elements and production photography to help validate footage selection, provide place-holder shots for editorial, and refine effects design. Edits incorporating postvis sequences are often shown to test audiences for feedback, and to producers and visual effects vendors for planning and budgeting. 

Nvizage have recently been involved in postvis work on Alice in Wonderland, The Dark Knight and Prince of Persia.