Our primary goal at Runout Media is to modernize coverage of the sport through the implementation of innovative production techniques. Since the company’s inception two years ago, we’ve worked hard to set a new standard for graphics and editing. With each new project we learn, progress, and become more ambitious with new ideas. In recent months we began pre-production on a new DVD series that is scheduled for release in November. As part of this process, we’ve invented a new technology that we will be implementing during the filming of this project.
The technology is similar to that used in the NFL and other high budget sports broadcasts.
First we track the camera in 3d, identifying the 2D plane of the tables playing surface. Using 3d graphics software, we then trace 3D diagrams (position play, ball paths, tangent line, etc) onto the surface of the table with realistic lighting and shadows. By using Simonis tournament blue cloth as a basis for a live blue-screen, we then remove the table surface from the original footage and layer it over the diagrams. These three layers are then composited over the original footage.
The result is realistic diagrams drawn over the surface of the cloth, but *under* the balls and players. The layering technique allows the live action elements to interact with the 3d diagrams, all computed automatically while maintaining proper perspective.
While the diagrams that we’ll be using in our upcoming DVD will be generated using 3D software, this same principle could be done on the fly using a custom telestrator device. With such a device, the entire process could be done in real-time.
Before years-end, Runout Media will be breaking into live production. Although we’ve dabbled in live streaming this past year while assisting other companies, this time we’ll be working on our own. This will afford us the capacity to make key production decisions, and hopefully implement this new technology into future broadcasts.
More information on this is available on our new website: http://runoutmedia.com
The technology is similar to that used in the NFL and other high budget sports broadcasts.
First we track the camera in 3d, identifying the 2D plane of the tables playing surface. Using 3d graphics software, we then trace 3D diagrams (position play, ball paths, tangent line, etc) onto the surface of the table with realistic lighting and shadows. By using Simonis tournament blue cloth as a basis for a live blue-screen, we then remove the table surface from the original footage and layer it over the diagrams. These three layers are then composited over the original footage.
The result is realistic diagrams drawn over the surface of the cloth, but *under* the balls and players. The layering technique allows the live action elements to interact with the 3d diagrams, all computed automatically while maintaining proper perspective.
While the diagrams that we’ll be using in our upcoming DVD will be generated using 3D software, this same principle could be done on the fly using a custom telestrator device. With such a device, the entire process could be done in real-time.
Before years-end, Runout Media will be breaking into live production. Although we’ve dabbled in live streaming this past year while assisting other companies, this time we’ll be working on our own. This will afford us the capacity to make key production decisions, and hopefully implement this new technology into future broadcasts.
More information on this is available on our new website: http://runoutmedia.com
