New Tech! How I made PRO Level VFX in a BARN!
TLDRThe video showcases a virtual production process in Canada, highlighting the transformation of a simple barn into a virtual set using innovative technology from lcraft Jet Set Cine. The process requires only an iPhone and a cine camera, proving that high-end virtual production doesn't need expensive LED stages. The video is divided into three parts: set building and scene planning, practical effects and VFX workflow, and the introduction of a new virtual production pipeline that simplifies the entire process. The use of various techniques, including kit bashing, smoke machines, and acid barrels, adds depth and realism to the CG environments. The video emphasizes the creative and cost-effective filmmaking techniques, demonstrating how to achieve a cinematic quality production with limited resources.
Takeaways
- 🎬 Transforming a simple barn in Canada into a virtual production set using innovative methods.
- 📱 Utilizing a new product from lcraft Jet Set Cine, which only requires an iPhone and a cine camera.
- 🚀 Demonstrating that virtual production doesn't need expensive multi-million dollar LED stages.
- 💡 Showcasing the entire behind-the-scenes process of creating the virtual production set.
- 🛠️ Discussing set building, scene planning, kit bashing, practical effects, and the VFX workflow.
- 🔧 Revealing a new virtual production pipeline that simplifies the production process.
- 🎥 Filming in multiple set locations virtually by reusing the same set floor pieces.
- 🌫️ Incorporating various VFX elements like smoke, acid barrels, sparks, and Parallax to add motion and depth.
- 🎞️ Capturing practical effects using techniques like dry ice and glow sticks mixed with soap for interesting textures.
- 📱 Controlling on-set lighting from an iPhone using aperture lights for cinematic backlit shots.
- 🔄 Using Jet Set's autoshot system to streamline the post-production process and reduce manual, tedious work.
Q & A
What is the main goal of the virtual production project described in the transcript?
-The main goal of the project is to demonstrate that virtual production does not require expensive multi-million dollar LED stages. Instead, it can be achieved with creativity and willpower, using affordable and accessible tools like an iPhone and a cine camera.
What new product from lcraft is being used in this virtual production set?
-The new product from lcraft being used is Jet Set cine, which simplifies the virtual production process by only requiring an iPhone and a cine camera.
How did the team address the challenge of creating a catwalk without a large budget?
-The team found rubber mats with a pattern resembling a catwalk's surface and used wood from eco centers, painted black, to create a structure underneath the rubber mats. This allowed them to mimic the appearance of a catwalk at a fraction of the cost.
What is kit bashing, as mentioned in the transcript?
-Kit bashing is the process of creatively combining various assets, similar to playing with Legos, to form interesting compositions and lighting setups in a virtual environment. It helps in creating 3D layered parallax and connecting the character to the ground in a virtual production.
What practical effects were used to add motion and interest to the CG environments?
-Practical effects included smoke, acid barrels, sparks, and the Parallax of objects passing over each other. These elements were captured using various techniques and equipment, such as smoke machines, dry ice, and Embergen for medium-distance simulations.
How did the team utilize the barn provided by the filmmaker's wife's grandparents?
-The team used the barn as a cinematic backlit shot location because it offered a large, dark space. They also invested in aperture lights to control the on-set lighting from the filmmaker's phone, which allowed them to adjust the lighting based on the actor's position relative to the virtual set.
What unique capability does Jet Set offer that differentiates it from traditional LED stages?
-Jet Set allows for CG assets to pass in front of the character, not just background replacement. It also enables the user to previs or prev visualize scenes using the iPhone's AR scanner, which helps in directing the scene and discovering shots effectively.
How does the Cine version of Jet Set differ from the free version?
-The Cine version of Jet Set includes a lens calibration process that calculates the offset between the iPhone and the cine lens. This allows for more precise tracking and integration of the virtual production elements with the live-action footage.
What is the Autoshot system in Jet Set, and how does it benefit the virtual production process?
-Autoshot is a backend system in Jet Set that streamlines the virtual production pipeline. It simplifies the process of camera tracking and data packaging, allowing for faster delivery and reducing the manual, tedious work typically involved in post-production.
What other tools and software were used in conjunction with Jet Set for this virtual production project?
-In addition to Jet Set, the project utilized Nuke, Blender, and Sony's fx3 camera. Embergen was also used for smoke simulation, and the compositing academy smoke bundle was mentioned for those interested in using the captured VFX elements.
What value does the filmmaker see in using Jet Set for virtual production?
-The filmmaker sees value in Jet Set's ability to provide a sense of space and location without shooting into a green void. It also speeds up the backend process, reducing manual work and allowing for more efficient and creative exploration of scenes.
Outlines
🎬 Virtual Production Innovation
This paragraph introduces a revolutionary approach to virtual production, highlighting the transformation of a simple barn in Canada into a virtual set using a new product from lcraft Jet Set. The innovative method only requires an iPhone and a cine camera, challenging the notion that virtual production needs expensive LED stages. The video promises to reveal the entire behind-the-scenes process, demonstrating how craftiness and willpower can achieve virtual production. It also touches on the use of tools like Nuke, Blender, and Jet Set, and the filming of The Creator with a Sony fx3 camera. The video is structured into three parts: set building and scene planning, practical effects and VFX workflow, and the introduction of a new virtual production pipeline that simplifies the production process.
🚀 Cost-Effective Filmmaking Techniques
The second paragraph delves into cost-effective filmmaking techniques, emphasizing the use of a barn instead of renting a green screen stage. It describes the process of using various aperture lights for on-set lighting controlled from a phone, and the integration of a CG set into the Jet Set app. The paragraph highlights the unique ability of the app to have CG assets in front of the character, not just background replacement. It also discusses the benefits of the Jet Set app's virtual production pipeline, which includes 3D scanning and autoshot features, making the filmmaking process more efficient and creative. The paragraph concludes with a mention of upcoming tutorials on the YouTube channel and a call to action for viewers to engage with the content.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Virtual Production
💡Set Building
💡Practical Effects
💡VFX Workflow
💡Green Screen
💡CG Set
💡Autoshot
💡Lens Calibration
💡Parallax
💡Lighting
💡Post-Production
Highlights
Transforming a simple barn in Canada into a virtual production set using a new product from lcraft Jet Set Cine.
The new product from lcraft Jet Set Cine only requires an iPhone and a cine camera, challenging the notion that virtual production needs expensive LED stages.
The video will showcase the entire behind-the-scenes process of creating the virtual production set.
Using a combination of techniques with nuke, blender, and Jet Set on an iPhone to create a unique virtual production experience.
The innovative approach to set building using rubber mats found at different places, looking like the surface of a catwalk.
Solving the problem of raising the walkway off the green screen using wood from eco centers, painted black for a cost-effective solution.
Kit bashing using various assets to create interesting compositions and lighting, similar to playing with Legos.
Utilizing 3D layered Parallax to connect the character's feet to the ground, avoiding feet on a green screen.
Filming in multiple set locations virtually by reusing the same set floor pieces, allowing for varied factory section appearances.
Incorporating practical effects like smoke, acid barrels, sparks, and camera Parallax to add motion and interest to CG environments.
Using a variety of smoke machines and dry ice techniques filmed on black screens to capture different motions for later use.
The cost-effective filming technique of not renting a green screen stage and using a barn for a cinematic backlit shot.
Investing in aperture lights to control the set lighting from a phone, allowing for dynamic relighting based on the actor's orientation to the virtual set.
Loading the CG set into the Jet Set app for easy placement and origin setting, enabling various filming angles.
Jet Set's unique ability to have CG assets pass in front of the character, enhancing the previs and directing process.
The Cine version of Jet Set allows for camera tracking and lens calibration, streamlining the virtual production pipeline.
The autoshot feature in Jet Set simplifies the post-production process by speeding up the backend work and reducing manual, tedious tasks.