Labs
Labs ❘ August 18 2009
Cigaro Grande: Part I
In the production of an experimental music video the first step is to gain an overview of the vast amount of material. Thousands of images have to be organized and cataloged before the work of conforming to an editable format can begin. The workflow starts with the sequences placed on a linear timeline in Final Cut Pro. It follows the original image script without major deviations. This is done in order to get an idea of how the photographed material corresponds to the manuscript.
From here a more detailed post production breakdown can be done. Information on how each scene will be treated in post. The use of layers, rotoscoping, key and other elements is documented in a so called action list. This list is essential for the forthcoming post production workflow.
When all this is done the creative part of editing can begin. The editor and director are now working together with the band to create a flow in the video. It is now the original script can be modified to suit the material. However, it is important to maintain the spirit of the story. While this process continues the post department can begin working with the scenes that are already planned and ready. In this way, progress is very fast. Previews are constantly delivered back to editing for approval.
In Part II: Finishing touches in editing and final conforming for post production.
Labs ❘ August 13 2009
Experimental work for Cigaro Grande
This fall we will work with an experimental project in association with the group Cigaro Grande from Skellefteå and their new single “Into the Woods”. The video is shot entirely on digital still cameras without any artificial light. By going back to basics we have the opportunity to further explore the possibilities in new compositing software.
Modern post production software such as Shake and Nuke often has a powerful 3D workspace that supports projection mapping, geometry modifiers, shape rotoscope and more. This true 3D environment creates powerful workflows and exciting new ways to approach compositing.
The video is scheduled to be completed this fall. We will continuously post material and progress reports throughout the production period.
Labs ❘ June 18 2009
iPhone/iPod Viral Experiment
We created quite a buzz in the blogosphere with the movie on Youtube showing a Mac Pro running iPhone/iPod OS on a 24 inch multi-touch screen. Of course most people were convinced that it was fake, a spoof. And of course they where right.
We had initially planned to make a screen recording of the iPhone SDK but the animation was far too sloppy and the menu bar position got offset when applications closed down. So we decided to redo all the animations in Apple Shake with elements from the iPhone SDK screen recording. After some minor finishing touches in Photoshop, the movie was finally edited in Final Cut Pro.
As many have already seen, a Dell 24-screen in portrait mode with a covered logo was used in the experiment.
Stefan got a few minutes to practice the timing, before we started filming. Shooting was deliberately poor so that more people would believe that it was computer geeks only, and not film effects people. To increase the credibility even more, an error message was implemented as the home screen appears.
We’ve included all the materials used in the experiment below. Have fun!
Summary
What was the purpose of the experiment? We simply wanted to see how many hits we could generate during a given period of time by only using YouTube and Twitter as channels. Of course the idea was also to inspire developers and manufacturers to completely new uses of multi-touch.
Credits
Animation and filming: Eric Öhman
Photoshop and performer: Stefan Dahlqvist
Software
Apple Shake
Adobe Photoshop
Final Cut Pro 6
iShowU
iPhone Simulator
Files
Labs ❘ June 4 2009
Video Format Comparison
Found an old comparison we did last year of different video formats and compression. Would be interesting to update the chart with the uprising video formats of today.
