OptiTrack Demonstrates the Future of Virtual Filmmaking at SIGGRAPH 2010
Press Release from OptiTrack
Showcases How to Produce an Affordable Virtual Production Workflow; Offers Hands-on Experience with a Virtual Camera System
Corvallis, Ore. - July 19, 2010 - With the massive success of computer-generated 3D films like "Avatar," real-time virtual production workflows are setting a new trend in Hollywood. At SIGGRAPH 2010, OptiTrack ™, in conjunction with Autodesk, will provide attendees with a demonstration of how to create a cost-effective virtual production pipeline that will easily integrate into existing workflows. Live demonstrations featuring OptiTrack and Autodesk products will be available at the OptiTrack booth (#701) and Autodesk booth (#500), July 26 - 29, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Featuring real-time data streamed between the OptiTrack and Autodesk booths, joint demonstrations will showcase how body motion capture (from OptiTrack ARENA ™ software) and virtual camera work (from the OptiTrack Insight VCS can be combined with Autodesk MotionBuilder, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Face Robot to create a comprehensive computer generated film sequence. Demonstration attendees will also be able to:
-See and use a productized version of the Insight VCS, a virtual camera system similar to the one used for the movie "Avatar"
- Learn how to combine a motion capture solution with Autodesk software to create a production-quality pipeline
- Understand how to integrate body, face and virtual camera animation with character and environment models to create a cohesive and compelling computer graphics (CG) film sequence in a short amount of time
"We've been working closely with Autodesk to demonstrate a powerful, yet simple virtual production workflow," said Jim Richardson, NaturalPoint® co-founder and lead engineer for the OptiTrack motion capture line. "This relationship has allowed us to create a pipeline that can be easily replicated with minimal investment. We are looking forward to demonstrating it next week; it should be impressive."
Pricing and Availability
The Insight VCS will ship in late summer 2010. Pricing for the camera rig ranges from $199 USD to $5,000 USD. Software plug-ins to MotionBuilder and Maya for OptiTrack systems are $1,000 USD. Universal plug-ins for other motion capture systems are $2,000 USD.
About OptiTrack
OptiTrack™ is the leading brand of affordable, high-quality motion capture technology. The OptiTrack product line includes: the Insight VCS; ARENA™, Expression ™ and
Tracking Tools™ motion capture software; and OptiTrack high-speed motion tracking cameras. Used by facilities worldwide in a variety of markets ranging from film and games to sports training and biomechanics, OptiTrack customers include Halon Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, Method Studios, Lockheed Martin, NASA, John Deer, and other top studios and developers around the world.
OptiTrack is owned by NaturalPoint®, one of the leading companies specializing in optical tracking technology. For more information, visit www.optitrack.com [1].
About NaturalPoint
Based in Corvallis, Ore., NaturalPoint® is the creator and manufacturer of the OptiTrack™, TrackIR™ and SmartNAV™ family of brands. NaturalPoint specializes in providing innovative control solutions through optical tracking technology, and has developed tracking systems for computers, video games, military simulators and unique display systems. For more information visit NaturalPoint.com.
Links:
[1] http://www.optitrack.com