Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking, 2nd Edition

Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking, 2nd Edition

Released November 2012
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9781118352052

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Book description

Get your foot in the studio door by learning the art of matchmoving

Matchmoving is a technique that allows computer graphics to be inserted into live-action footage with correct position, scale, orientation, and motion. Also known as motion tracking, it's what allows movie monsters to run down Main Street and robots to run through crowds--and look real. Now this unique book from a top expert from Industrial Light and Magic teaches you the art of matchmoving.

With step-by-step tutorials and pages of examples, this book first explains the basics and then shows you professional techniques, from 3D calibration and tracking, to stereoscopy, and more.

  • Explains concepts and teaches professional techniques for successful matchmoving

  • Authored by a top matchmove specialist from Industrial Light and Magic, who walks you through step-by-step tutorials and impressive examples

  • Covers matchmoving basics, 2D tracking, 3D calibration and tracking, automatic tracking, cameras, integrating matchmoves, and stereoscopy

Learn how studio visual effects professionals make all the right matchmoves with Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking 2nd Edition.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Acknowledgments
  3. About the Author
  4. Introduction
  5. Chapter 1: The Basics of Matchmoving
    1. Exploring a Typical Matchmove
    2. Moving from 3D to 2D and Back Again
    3. Understanding the Matchmoving Process
    4. Matchmoving in the Production Pipeline
    5. Perspective Matching Tutorial
    6. Evaluating and Adjusting the Camera
    7. Moving Toward Moving Pictures
  6. Chapter 2: Matchmoving Software
    1. Using Matchmoving Programs
    2. Introducing Photogrammetry
    3. Understanding How Matchmoving Programs Work
    4. Laying Down Your First Tracks
  7. Chapter 3: 2D Tracking
    1. Understanding the 2D Tracking Process
    2. Exploring the Anatomy of a 2D Track
    3. Track Placement: Making Every Track Count
    4. Getting Tracks to Stick
    5. Following Hints for Effective 2D Tracking
    6. Handling Plate Issues
    7. Optimizing the Plate for 2D Tracking
    8. 2D Tracking Tutorial
    9. Moving from 2D to 3D
  8. Chapter 4: 3D Calibration
    1. Understanding “Good” Calibration
    2. Calibrating Your Cameras
    3. Evaluating the Solution
    4. Determining Camera Moves
    5. Setting Up a Coordinate System
    6. Coordinate System Tutorial
    7. But It Gets Better
  9. Chapter 5: Automatic Tracking
    1. Tracking on Autopilot
    2. Editing Automatic Tracks
    3. Using Masks
    4. Reaping the Benefits of Automatic Tracking
    5. Implementing the Automatic Tracking Process
    6. Ready for a Brief Detour
  10. Chapter 6: Cameras
    1. How Film Cameras Work
    2. Lenses
    3. Film Backs
    4. Format
    5. Lens Distortion
    6. Capture and Digitization
    7. Keeping It All Straight
    8. Fitting In
  11. Chapter 7: Set Fitting
    1. Fitting the Camera
    2. Checking the Matchmove
    3. Fitting the Set
    4. Set-Fitting Tutorial
    5. Altering the Coordinate System
    6. Delivering the Scene
    7. And Now on to the Real World … Sort Of
  12. Chapter 8: Being on Set
    1. Getting the Right Information
    2. Getting Camera Information
    3. Marking Up the Set
    4. Working with Others on Set
    5. Building a Matchmoving Kit
    6. Shooting Distortion Grids
    7. Filling In the Details
  13. Chapter 9: Matchamation
    1. Understanding the Basic Technique
    2. Making Model Changes
    3. Working with Imperfect Data
    4. Matchamation Tutorial
    5. When the Going Gets Tough
  14. Chapter 10: Troubleshooting and Advanced Techniques
    1. Performing Effective Troubleshooting
    2. Following a Troubleshooting Checklist
    3. Diagnosing the Problem
    4. Using Advanced Tools and Tricks
    5. Tracking Moving Objects
  15. Chapter 11: Object Tracking
    1. The Object-Tracking Process
    2. Object-Tracking Tutorial
    3. Common Problems with Object Tracking
    4. Geometry Tracking
    5. Geometry-Tracking Tutorial
    6. Common Problems with Geometry Tracking
    7. Advanced Object Tracking
    8. And That’s Not All
  16. Chapter 12: Multipurposing Matchmoving Data
    1. Creating Special Cameras
    2. Matchmoves for Paint Work: “Patchmoves”
    3. Matchmoves for Compositors
    4. Matchmoves for TD Work
    5. Not the End of the Road
  17. Chapter 13: Stereo
    1. Understanding Stereoscopy
    2. Filming Stereo Footage
    3. Viewing Stereo Footage
    4. Matchmoving Stereo Footage
    5. Overcoming Common Problems
    6. So What’s Next?
  18. Appendix A: Resources
  19. Appendix B: Matchmoving Software and Useful Links
    1. Matchmoving Software
    2. Other Useful Programs
    3. Books
    4. Websites
  20. Appendix C: Film Formats
    1. 16 mm Formats
    2. 35 mm Formats
    3. Large Formats
    4. Digital Formats
    5. Calculating the Film Back for Cropped Images
  21. Glossary
  22. Index
  23. Gallery

Product information

  • Title: Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking, 2nd Edition
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: November 2012
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9781118352052