The Art and Technique of Matchmoving: Solutions for the VFX Artist

Description

Matchmoving has become a standard visual effects procedure for almost every situation where live action materials and CG get combined. It allows virtual and real scenes that have been composited together to seamlessly appear as though they are from the same perspective. This authoritative step-by-step guide from one of the best matchmovers in the business allows you to master this technique that has been called the foundation upon which all VFX work stands. Author Erica Hornung (sr. matchmover for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Matrix: Revolutions, and more) imparts her techniques, tips, and wisdom from the trenches that will have you matchmoving like a true professional in no time. Lessons in the most popular matchmoving software (Maya, Boujou, and others) are included, as well as tips and techniques for surveying on set, dolly moves, and operating nodal cameras. Individual chapters dedicated to object and character matchmoves show you how to matchmove for shadow casting, adding weapons and other objects, focusing on center of gravity, as well as complete CG character support. The companion DVD includes Quicktime examples of techniques shown in the book, as well as project files that allow you to master these techniques yourself by working alongside the lessons featured in the text.

Technical Director at Academy Award winning (most recently for The Golden Compass) Hollywood visual effects studio Rhythm and Hues. She was the VFX technical director on Spider-Man 3, and matchmover or senior matchmover on films such as Lord of the Rings: The 2 Towers, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, SpiderMan 2, Polar Express, and dozens of other blockbuster movies. Erica is also an adjunct professor at Art Institute Online, teaching matchmoving, compositing, and other VFX related courses.

"The definitive text on an under-appreciated, but yet fundamental, profession within the Visual Effects Industry. This book makes clear and approachable what can be a very technical, sometime arcane, subject that sits on the edge between Movie Production and Movie Post-Production. It's a must-read for anyone starting out in Visual Effects, but also contains an abundance of information that even seasoned VFX Professionals won't already know, but should." - Jake Morrison, Visual Effects Supervisor, Tooth Fairy, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Iron Man 2 "The Art and Technique of Matchmoving is a must-have reference for anyone beginning their VFX career -- it's not only a textbook on Matchmove, but a practical guide to everything that goes on in the strange and wonderful world of Visual Effects. Erica brings humor and experience to demystify Matchmove and all that springs from it. I've been in this business for 14 years and I learned a thing or two!" - Joanie Karnowski, Senior VFX Artist, G-Force, Beowulf, Spider-Man 3 "For anyone who wants to learn the art of matchmove, this book is a must read. Erica not only gives an overall look at what matchmove is and how it works, she makes it easy to understand. Her book is a new addition to my toolkit." Michael "Mac" Condro, Matchmover, Stuart Little 2, The Haunted Mansion, Spider-Man 2