Virtual production
In-Camera Visual Effects and Stage Operation
"The Miraculous Healing of Lucy Damon"
-Spring 2023-
From ideation through experimentation, to production and post-production, The Miraculous Healing of Lucy Damon is a virtual production short film created over the span of 13 weeks. Traditional, live-action filmmaking techniques were combined with in-camera visual effects and CG renders to create this world. Photogrammetry was used to make digital doubles of the actors which replaced the real actors during stunts to be captured in camera on the LED wall. Additional CG characters and objects were animated using motion capture. For this film, I served as the Virtual Production and Performance Capture Supervisor.
An Investigation of Lighting in Multiple Dimensions
-Spring 2023-
Assisted with setting up and running tests for a Motion Picture Science student research capstone. For their project, they are investigating the quality of dynamic lighting across scenes and backdrops of differing dimensionality. The clips included are of the control test, using a traditional 3D scene run through Unreal Engine. As an additional interactive component, a flashlight was tracked using Vicon motion capture. I prepped the scenes for testing with level snapshots and multi-user editing for quick changes, provided camera tracking (used for later tests), and set up a small Vicon volume on the LED stage.
"Got Drip?": An Ad campaign for Shoe coat nyc
-Spring 2023-
Provided virtual production and technical support for a student capstone film creating an advertisement for Shoe Coat. As the Virtual Production Supervisor, I was responsible for running the camera tracking, preparing custom environments for production use, and managing the LED wall and engine operation.
"B-Plus" : A virtual Production Short Film
-Fall 2022-
In the virtual production class, we worked to create a rough, short film using ICVFX and VCam technology. Combining motion capture, virtual camera, and in-camera visual effects, this exploratory film allowed us to test out the tools and gain experience with a variety of the technology used in virtual production. The purpose of this project was to explore the foundation of virtual production to prepare for creating a finished piece in the Spring.
Mo-Sys StarTracker
As part of my role at Magic Spell Studios, I am in charge of managing the new Mo-Sys StarTracker system. From installation to understanding how the system can be used within Unreal Engine, I help teach others how it works, assist with using it as a tool for virtual production projects, and operate it on set and for demos.
Motion Capture
Vicon optical motion capture
Vicon Volume test #1
The above clip is from a series of tests run in a small, Vicon motion capture volume. With six Vantage V5 cameras, the effectiveness of the space was evaluated for the purposes of human motion capture and the impact of occlusion on the quality of capture. Using the data and understanding gained from these tests, I was able to provide an educated recommendation for the amount of cameras needed for optimal motion capture in the space. While this volume lacked the coverage needed for full-body motion capture, it proved adequate for prop tracking.
Vicon Volume test #2
Based on the results and understanding obtained from the first version of the volume, a recommendation was made to add four Vicon Vero v2.2 cameras at a middle height. This greatly improved the available coverage and reduced the impact of occlusion. Further refinement of the camera positioning and angles can be made to optimize coverage. This volume is able to be used for full-body performance capture and provide the ability for further testing with multi-person capture, finger tracking, and experiment with facial capture.
Perception Neuron
From capturing ASL to werewolves and dance sequences, I have helped multiple students record motion capture for their projects using the Perception Neuron Studio suit. This clip is un-edited motion capture recorded for an animation project, complete with full-body and finger tracking.
Marker-less Motion Capture