ceh
September 26, 2006

Gradient Effects and Eyetronics Preview Proprietary Scanning Techniques during Filmmakers Festival

Los Angeles, Calif. - Gradient  Effects and Eyetronics have presented an overview of proprietary scanning techniques at eDIT 9 Filmmaker’s Festival in Frankfurt, Germany, as part of the festival’s Media Industry track.

Venice, California-based Gradient Effects demonstrated a new, cost-efficient process that can be utilized in all stages of film pre- and postproduction.

Using a LIDAR scanner and its own proprietary software, Gradient Effects gathers and prepares comprehensive scan data from large-scale locations. The data is subsequently used in set design, previs, special effects, and final visual effects production, enabling a plate-independent VFX workflow.

Gradient Effects founders Thomas Tannenberger and Olcun Tan detailed the gains in speed and accuracy over previous workflows, as well as advantages for filmmakers in camera positioning, lens selection, real-time pre-visualization, and overall data management.

Eyetronics, an international provider of high-resolution scanning services and animation-ready 3D models for feature films, television, commercials, and computer games, also appeared on the panel. Eyetronics president Dirk Callaerts and vice president Nick Tesi discussed the role of full body and facial capture scans and how the process enables filmmakers to deliver extraordinary 3D images for enhanced storytelling in the digital age. Using its proprietary software, Eyetronics recently scanned more than 1400 Major League baseball players and coaches for game developers Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and 2K Sports.

eDIT 9 Filmmaker's Festival is held in Frankfurt, Germany, and is sponsored by the State of Hessen and the Office for Private Broadcasting in Hessen (LPR) in co-operation with the Visual Effects Society (VES).